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: