Can Hungary’s Magyar​ deliver on his promise​s of reform a​nd restore a relationship to the EU?

U nder blue skies on Saturday, crowds cheered as the EU flag was raised on the facade of the Hungarian parliament after a long absence. It was a powerful symbol on the day Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister , with a declaration that Hungarians had given his party a mandate to launch “a new chapter” in the country’s history, and change the system. The new government, seen as an experienced technocratic team, immediately signalled its new direction. “Hungary’s place is in Europe; naturally, firmly and without question,” foreign minister designate Anita Orbán said. Soon after, Hungary dropped its long-standing veto over sanctions against violent Israeli settlers – a sign it no longer sought to be outside the EU mainstream. Before taking the oath of office, justice minister Márta Görög pledged to revise Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law, after the European court of justice (ECJ) ruled it was discriminatory and in breach of basic democratic values. “Hungary is a member of the European Union, which means that there are responsibilities,” she said. Finance minister András Kármán outlined an economic transformation plan, aiming to meet the criteria for adopting the euro by 2030. One of the first big tests is meeting Magyar’s pledge to “bring home” Hungary’s frozen EU billions. …