The new Tisza Party government led by Péter Magyar has officially outlined the responsibilities and powers of its ministers after the latest issue of the Magyar Közlöny (Hungarian Gazette) detailed the structure of the incoming administration. The 62-page decree, published late on Wednesday evening, sets out the portfolios of each cabinet member and confirms several previously announced reforms within the Tisza Party government.
The regulation entered into force on Thursday and marks one of the first major administrative steps of the new leadership.
Prime Minister’s Office receives broad coordinating powers
Under the decree, Tisza Party leader and Prime Minister Péter Magyar will represent Hungary both generally and at the European Council, while also determining and coordinating the government’s overall political direction and the work of ministers.
One of the broadest portfolios has been assigned to Bálint Ruff, the minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office. His responsibilities include political coordination, oversight of EU affairs, government communication, and the development of the public service career system.
The decree also establishes the role of national security chief adviser. Péter Tóth will coordinate national security, defence and law enforcement matters linked to the prime minister, alongside wider government security coordination tasks, reports Telex.
Economy, taxation and housing divided between Tisza ministries
The new government has split several major economic competencies between ministries. István Kapitány, minister for the economy and energy, will oversee Hungary’s energy sector, including the expansion of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, a project previously supervised by the foreign ministry.
Meanwhile, finance minister András Kármán will control taxation and pension policy, as well as state asset management, public procurement, gambling regulation and state housing subsidies.
A particularly extensive portfolio has been given to Dávid Vitézy, minister for transport and investment. Besides transport and state investments, he will also supervise housing policy, regional planning, road toll systems, brownfield redevelopment and construction regulation.
Education, foreign affairs and social policy reshaped
Tisza Party’s foreign minister Anita Orbán will not only manage diplomacy but also oversee Hungarian cultural institutes abroad, civilian intelligence coordination, the Hungary Helps humanitarian programme and support initiatives for persecuted Christians.
Judit Lannert, minister for education and children’s affairs, will supervise public education, higher education and adult learning.
Social and family affairs minister Vilmos Kátai-Németh will take charge of employment policy and public works programmes, areas previously linked to economic ministries. His responsibilities will also include family policy, social inclusion, welfare matters and issues related to guest workers from third countries, according to 444.hu.
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Local governments and EU funds under one ministry
Viktória Lőrincz, minister for rural and municipal development, will oversee the use of EU funds, local governments and their legal supervision, in addition to regional and rural development and public administration organisation.
Environmental responsibilities, including waste management, water management, forestry and environmental protection, have been assigned to László Gajdos, minister for the living environment.
The decree also confirms a significant institutional safeguard announced earlier by Magyar: four ministers — the ministers of health, education, justice and finance — will hold veto powers during the legislative drafting process.
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Featured image: Péter Magyar/Facebook
