Politico: Future Hungarian government, EU working on “grand bargain”

The European Union and Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, which is expected to form a new government after winning the parliamentary elections, are aware of what they want from each other, paving the way for a “grand bargain,” Politico reports.

The party’s leader Péter Magyar, who is likely to become prime minister, is not expected to take office before May 5, the outlet notes. However, he is already in contact with EU leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as he aims to restore relations between Budapest and Brussels.

A priority for the future Hungarian government is the unfreezing of €18 billion in EU funds that were suspended due to policies of the outgoing Orbán government.

It also seeks access to around €16 billion in EU defence loans and the cancellation of a €1 million daily fine imposed over Hungary’s failure to comply with EU migration rules.

“I can say that it is extremely important to bring [the money] home, and as quickly as possible,” Magyar said.

He pledged during the phone call on April 13 with von der Leyen to agree on reform commitments, and emphasised the importance of implementing anti-corruption measures — including joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office — while also safeguarding judicial independence and protecting media and academic freedoms.

Ursula von der Leyen struck an optimistic tone on the potential reset on April 13, saying: “Of course, we will start working with the government as soon as possible … to make a swift and overdue progress to the benefit of the Hungarian people.”

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov