Péter Magyar addresses anti-Hungarian law to Robert Fico

Hungary’s elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar has held a direct phone conversation with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, outlining firm conditions for future bilateral discussions.

Péter Magyar called Fico to ensure Hungarians’ rights are not violated

According to Péter Magyar, meaningful policy negotiations can only proceed if Slovakia guarantees the repeal of legislation that could criminalise members of the Hungarian minority and ensures that no land confiscations will take place under the controversial Beneš Decrees.

The issue centres on a Slovakian law that could impose prison sentences on individuals questioning the decrees, which historically justified property seizures based on collective guilt after the Second World War. Critics argue that such measures risk undermining freedom of expression within the European Union and could further strain regional political relations.

Outrageous: Slovakia criminalises questioning of Beneš decrees, the WWII-era collective punishment of Hungarians

Respect is a condition of cooperation, claims Magyar

Péter Magyar stressed that protecting the rights of ethnic Hungarians abroad remains a top priority for any future Hungarian government. He also reiterated his intention to strengthen relations between Hungary and Slovakia and revive the Visegrád Cooperation.

However, he made it clear that these ambitions depend on resolving the current legal and historical disputes first. Both leaders agreed to continue talks in person at the next meeting of the European Council in Brussels, where broader regional cooperation and security issues are also expected to be discussed.

Thousands protest in Budapest outside Slovak Embassy – Photos, videos

Fico won’t back off

Fico responded cautiously, noting that Magyar, who has yet to assume office, spoke only in general terms. He acknowledged, however, that the Beneš Decrees will remain a central issue for Magyar, while emphasising that their positions differ in principle. Their exchange was the first official dialogue over historical accountability and minority rights of Hungarians born and living in Slovakia.

Magyar urges Slovak PM Fico to suspend Beneš Decrees ahead of Hungarian elections

Featured image: Robert Fico/Facebook