Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar spent two hours answering questions from internet users during an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit on Saturday evening, offering insight into both government policy and his personal life.
Two-hour online Q&A attracts huge interest
Although currently on holiday in Turkey with his sons following the NATO summit in Ankara, Péter Magyar joined users of the popular r/hungary community between 8 PM and 10 PM. The discussion generated enormous interest, with more than 5,500 comments posted during the event.
The prime minister later indicated that he intends to return in the coming days to answer questions that remained unanswered, adding that he will also ask cabinet ministers whether they would be willing to hold similar Reddit sessions.
Péter Magyar was asked mostly about government priorities and political issues
Among the policy topics discussed, Magyar reiterated his support for the direct election of Hungary’s president and suggested that the government is considering future reductions in either VAT or personal income tax.
He also defended government spokespersons and addressed criticism surrounding the appointment of former Fidesz politician Dénes Nemcsok. According to the prime minister, consultations with ministry staff showed that public perception differed from the internal assessment, arguing that only a handful of people possess the expertise required for the position.
On media regulation, Magyar said Hungary should tighten rules governing press corrections and introduce stricter sanctions for inaccurate reporting.
The prime minister also confirmed that this year’s 20 August state celebrations will be more modest than usual. However, he noted that the traditional fireworks display had already been commissioned before his government took office, meaning no new decision was required.
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Transparency, promises and personal revelations
One Reddit user highlighted the independently run Ígéretfigyelő.hu website, which tracks the government’s election promises. Péter Magyar praised the initiative, describing it as an excellent tool and saying his administration would make use of it.
He also promised to publish a list of 63 personal principles reportedly displayed on the wall of his office, explaining that it serves as a reminder to remain grounded and avoid letting power go to his head.
The session also featured numerous light-hearted and personal questions. Magyar jokingly described his relationship status as “national security-sensitive”, revealed that he speaks only occasionally with his former wife, Judit Varga, and said he does not socialise with former minister Gergely Gulyás outside Parliament.
Asked about his daily routine, the prime minister said he normally sleeps only three to four hours a night, though he is currently managing around five hours while on holiday. Looking ahead, he said that in eight years’ time he could imagine himself working as a teacher.
Other answers revealed that his favourite Hungarian word is “rainbow”, he would support Argentina or Norway at the FIFA World Cup in the absence of Hungary and Italy, and that he enjoyed many of the humorous questions posted by Reddit users, often responding with emojis.
The relaxed tone contrasted with the serious political discussion, offering a rare glimpse into the prime minister’s personality beyond government affairs. The full AMA can be found here.
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