France eyes policy shift in Hungary after Magyar election victory

France has welcomed the electoral victory of Hungary’s opposition Tisza party and expressed expectations that incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar will reverse key policies that had constrained European support for Ukraine under former leader Viktor Orbán.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris anticipates concrete steps from Hungary’s new leadership, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We expect only one thing from him: that he fulfills what he promised,” Barrot stated. He added that Magyar should restore elements of the rule of law that were weakened under Orbán, reintegrate Hungary more fully into the European community, and lift what he described as “unjustified vetoes” that have impeded EU assistance to Ukraine.

Magyar, for his part, has indicated that his government will not oppose the European Union’s proposed €90 billion loan to Kyiv. However, he emphasized that Hungary would neither participate in the initiative nor contribute financially to supporting Ukrainian authorities. He also voiced opposition to fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

Under Orbán, Hungary had blocked the EU decision on the loan, citing the suspension of Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline as a key concern.

In parliamentary elections held on April 12, the Tisza party secured 138 of 199 seats, marking a decisive victory. Orbán subsequently acknowledged the defeat of his party, Fidesz – Hungarian Civic Alliance.

By Vafa Guliyeva