Hungary’s Magyar set to be sworn in as new prime minister • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Political Transition: The inauguration of a new Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar.
• EU-Hungary Relations: The restoration of diplomatic alignment, symbolized by the return of the European Union flag.
• Fiscal Deadlines: The critical August 31st deadline for legislative reforms to unlock frozen EU funds.
• Rule of Law Reforms: Specific requirements regarding judicial independence and university autonomy.

---

Inauguration and Parliamentary Proceedings

The transition of power in Hungary is currently underway, with 199 newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) having taken their oaths. The formal schedule for the day includes:

• 1:00 p.m.: Agnes Foss Hopper, the new President of the Assembly, is scheduled to take her oath and deliver an inaugural address.
• 3:00 p.m.: Peter Magyar, who secured a comfortable majority in the April 12th elections, will be sworn in as Prime Minister and deliver his official speech.
• 5:00 p.m.: A public address by Prime Minister Magyar is scheduled at Kossuth Square, the parliament square located near the Danube. This event is expected to be an informal, improvised speech directed at his supporters.
• Evening: The day will conclude with public festivities and concerts.

Symbolic Shift in EU Relations

A significant indicator of the new administration's policy direction is the reinstatement of the European Union flag both inside and outside the parliament building. This marks a reversal of the policy maintained by the previous government under Viktor Orbán, which had removed the flag over the past 16 years. This gesture is interpreted as a signal of improved cooperation with Brussels.

Negotiations and Fiscal Urgency

The relationship between the new Hungarian government and the European Union has moved quickly, with an unofficial EU delegation visiting Budapest just three days after the April 12th elections to initiate contact.

The Financial Stakes:

• Frozen Funds: The EU Commission currently has 17 billion euros in funds frozen for Hungary.
• The August 31st Deadline: Hungary faces a critical deadline of August 31st to pass specific legislation. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the permanent loss of 1 billion euros from the frozen allocation.

Legislative Priorities: To unlock these funds, the Magyar government must prioritize the passage of laws and decrees focused on:

1. University Autonomy: Restoring the independence of academic institutions, which had been curtailed under the Orbán administration.
2. Judicial Independence: Implementing reforms to ensure the autonomy and impartiality of the justice system.

Conclusion

The transition represents a rapid pivot toward European integration. Both the Hungarian government and Brussels have recognized the urgency of the situation, acknowledging that the narrow window before the August 31st deadline requires immediate and intensive legislative action to secure the release of frozen EU funds and restore institutional standards.