Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar delivered a combative and symbolic speech in Parliament on Tuesday, promising sweeping reforms aimed at cutting political privileges, limiting executive power and exposing what he described as the “true legacy” of the Orbán era.
Opening his pre-agenda address in the National Assembly, Magyar called for restraint and responsibility in public life, declaring: “When the country is in trouble, let our common slogan be moderation.”
He argued that politicians should not enter public life to enrich themselves and reminded MPs that they had sworn an oath to represent the entire Hungarian nation, regardless of party affiliation or how they won their mandate.
“Those seeking political office should regard it as service,” Magyar said, insisting that elected representatives must keep in mind the historical responsibility they bear towards Hungarian citizens.
Government plans salary cuts and privilege reforms
Among the government’s first proposed measures are significant cuts to political privileges and parliamentary spending. Magyar announced plans to reduce MPs’ salaries and expense allowances, eliminate what he called unnecessary luxury spending and review the issuance of diplomatic passports.
According to the prime minister, the previous Parliament cost taxpayers more than HUF 200 billion, but the new administration expects to reduce that figure by at least HUF 50 billion.
“If the average Hungarian worker does not receive a HUF 100,000 phone allowance for their job, then a member of parliament probably does not need one either,” Magyar remarked.
He claimed that over the next four years, the government could save the equivalent of an entire year of parliamentary operating costs.
PM term limits and accusations against Fidesz
Magyar also confirmed that his government has submitted a constitutional amendment proposal introducing term limits for prime ministers, arguing that no Hungarian leader should hold unlimited power indefinitely.
“Leading the country is a service, not a hereditary entitlement,” he said.
The prime minister accused Viktor Orbán and Fidesz of gradually capturing key state institutions during their years in power while overseeing unprecedented wealth concentration around the governing elite.
He argued that unrestricted political power inevitably erodes democratic self-restraint and eventually blurs the line between the state, the ruling party and personal political interests.
The government is also considering term limits for other elected offices.
Investigations into corruption and public money scandals
A major portion of Magyar’s speech focused on promises of transparency and investigations into alleged corruption cases linked to the former government.
The prime minister pledged full public disclosure regarding budget fraud, illegal party financing, abuse of office and hidden state liabilities.
He announced plans to establish several parliamentary committees, including investigations into:
- alleged abuses within Hungary’s enforcement system,
- the multi-billion-forint public money scandal surrounding the Magyar Nemzeti Bank,
- the Fidesz pardon scandal,
- the crisis in Hungary’s child protection system,
- and issues related to privatisation practices.
Magyar also vowed to dismantle the current system of public-interest asset management foundations and abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office, which he accused of harassing government critics rather than carrying out meaningful work.
He specifically criticised a HUF 1.3 billion contract allegedly awarded by the office to companies linked to businessman Gyula Balásy for “image protection” activities.
Social measures and promises to “restore dignity”
Alongside anti-corruption reforms, Magyar outlined several social policy measures, including:
- suspending evictions in foreign currency loan cases,
- introducing school-start support for disadvantaged families,
- extending SZÉP card benefits to pensioners,
- and accelerating the release of frozen EU funds.
He also promised reforms to Hungary’s enforcement, liquidation and notarial systems, saying the state must once again serve ordinary citizens rather than privileged elites.
According to Magyar, the government’s broader mission is to restore Hungary’s self-respect and reintroduce genuine legal consequences for corruption.
What’s next? Most Hungarians believe Orbán and Fidesz cannot make a comeback after historic defeat
Tense clash with Gulyás Gergely interrupts session
The parliamentary session briefly descended into tension after Magyar walked over to former ally Gergely Gulyás during proceedings, prompting Speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer to intervene and ask lawmakers to continue their work.
The confrontation followed a sharp exchange between the two politicians.
According to Telex, Magyar referenced the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Őszöd speech and said he never imagined that Gulyás — with whom he had once protested against police actions during the 2006 demonstrations — would eventually lead what he called the “current MSZMP faction”.
He accused Fidesz politicians of continuing the same political practices associated with former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány and predicted they would “disappear from Hungarian political life”.
Gulyás responded by recalling their shared history organising protests at Budapest’s Kossuth Square two decades ago before challenging Magyar over the appointment of a former deputy to police chief Péter Gergényi as state secretary for law enforcement.
The exchange continued briefly even after the Speaker attempted to move proceedings forward.
You can watch the video of the sharp exchange below; find Magyar walking over to Gulyás at 2:34:
Gulyas Gergely – the former head of the “ill-fated” disgraced and humiliated office of the Prime Minister of Hungary – Victor Mihaly. Orban – of birth with a – “silver spoon” – in his mouth, through a Father, of POWER and influence – in the Legal fraternity in Budapest, Hungary and of “sponsorship” as a Member of the Fidesz Political Party.
Gulyas Gergely – read law at the same time as our Prime Minister – Peter Magyar – at the same Catholic University – Pazmany Peter – in Buda – and not of “close” student friendship.
Gulyas Gergely – the “protected species” he was by the “inner sanctum” – the Oligarchy of Fidesz and as he went through RAPID elevation of positions in the hierarchal structure of Fidesz that over time inside the last decade saw Gulyas Gergely – in his position as Head of the Prime Ministers office – muchly “inner sanctum” – and of favour of the Oligarchy and of Victor Mihaly. Orban.
Gulyas Gergely – his use of Propaganda of his doing and under instruction of the Party line to use propaganda to be of FALSENESS and absolute Fabrication of Truth & Facts – the name Gulyas Gergely – was a MAJOR player.
Part of, a Major Player – in what was DELIVERED to us under the Prime Minister of Hungary – Victor Mihaly. Orban who Gulyas Gergely – the “gofer” it really is, and than Prime Minister – Peter Magyar – knows of his character, and will continue to expose him for what he truly represents.
Gulyas Gergely – it will NEVER be forgotten by the Tisza Party and by Prime Minister – Peter Magyar – that Victor Mihaly. Orban the ADULATION – of being REVERED afforded him by Gulyas Gergely.
Hungarians – no favours and NEVER to be appeased for his role his participation his SUPPORT of the Creeds – the political ideas and philosophy of the “heinous” Government he was “high in rank” off – under Victor Mihaly. Orban.
Congratulations to Peter Magyar for winning the election. As a Fidesz supporter I respect the will of the people.
However, Peter may be biting off more than he can chew. He should focus on bread and butter issues (money from the EU, price of gas, inflation, etc.). Issues such as political revenge, humiliation of opponents, needless conflicts, etc. will only bring him down.
I live in the US, born to Hungarian parents who fled communist government persecution. The Democratic Party in the US tried to use ‘lawfare’ to persecute the current President of the US. It only resulted in the Democrat Party loosing all levels of government.
I ask Peter Magyar to tone down the rhetoric before it destroys him and damages the country.
Thank you.
Well, today he signed the deal to access over 16 Billion Euros of funding.
He has a full head of steam and won’t rest until Fidesz is crushed into a paste which is undoubtedly the best decision for the future of the country. Their legitimacy is destroyed, losing support by the day. The opposition are at liberty to form a new grouping but the Fidesz ‘brand’ is tained beyond redemption. I’m sure that that smart people in the opposition will realise this and do exactly that, the issue they’ll face is that they’re caught in the pincer between Tisza and Mi Hazank; there’s no more room on the right for another party.
The real prospects for renewal are on the left who are unrepresented in Parliament.