Hungary’s PM-elect Magyar pledges constitutional reforms, EU policy shift

Peter Magyar, leader of the pro-European conservative TISZA party, has said his government will pursue constitutional changes to limit time in office and shift Hungary’s relationship with the European Union, as he outlined key priorities following his election victory.

Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Magyar said his Tisza Party would seek to amend the constitution to introduce a two-term limit for prime ministers, capping leadership at a maximum of eight years. He did not specify whether the limit would apply to consecutive or total terms, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Magyar said the reform aims to prevent a repeat of the prolonged tenure of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has dominated Hungarian politics for more than a decade.

He also announced plans for Hungary to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, a move previously blocked by the current government. Magyar said membership would help restore access to European funding, including an estimated €20 billion in EU funds currently at stake.

On energy policy, Magyar said Hungary would continue purchasing Russian oil while working to diversify supply sources. He stressed that energy security remains a priority and that maintaining multiple suppliers could help secure more competitive pricing.

At the same time, he acknowledged that Hungary’s geographic position makes a full break from Russian energy ties difficult.

Magyar added that European Union sanctions on Russia are likely to remain in place while the war in Ukraine continues, though he suggested they could be revised in the future.

By Sabina Mammadli