Hungary's new government aims to clean house in weeks

Hungary's new government, led by Péter Magyar and his Tisza party, has embarked on an ambitious mission to overhaul the nation within weeks, aiming to unlock substantial EU financial support. Following a landslide victory in April's election, Magyar's government, which holds a significant parliamentary majority, is under pressure to re-establish democratic foundations and restore the rule of law. The release of hundreds of billions of euros in EU funds, frozen due to the previous administration's policies, is contingent on these swift reforms. Márta Pardavi, chairwoman of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, acknowledges the widespread hope for change but cautions that the work is far from over. She emphasizes the need for improvements across all sectors, not just select areas. Pardavi believes the EU funding is crucial for Magyar to initiate his reform agenda, as many Hungarians are facing economic hardship and desire rapid progress. "If he offers freedoms but not greater prosperity, then it will be difficult," she stated, adding that her "gut feeling is that he needs the EU funding as soon as possible." Magyar's government plans to purge state institutions, courts, and companies perceived as filled with loyalists of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Hungary is currently ranked as the most corrupt country in the EU, with significant assets concentrated among a circle close to the former premier. However, Pardavi notes that such purges can be complex and may not always be legally sound, drawing parallels to Orbán's own justifications for similar actions. She also points out the potential for an "appetite for change" to become excessive, referencing Orbán's history of constitutional changes. The government is also engaging in a charm offensive, inviting dignitaries from critical European nations, including the foreign ministers of the Netherlands and Sweden, to Budapest.