Hungary embraces a new era under Peter Magyar
by Anita Orban · The Washington TimesOPINION:
Political analysts spent the first 100 days of Hungary’s new government trying to understand the political shift in Budapest, generating their own theories and narratives.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s administration captured global attention with its historic landslide victory on April 12, when the Tisza Party secured a two-thirds constitutional majority in parliament.
Still, to truly understand these political developments in Hungary, one must look beyond media headlines and ask a fundamental question: What does the Hungarian government stand for, and what has it accomplished in its first 100 days?
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The priorities of the new Hungarian government are built on ideological and fundamental values that resonate with the values dear across the American political spectrum.
For decades, Hungary’s transition to a full democracy was overshadowed by the unresolved questions of its communist past. The government has announced plans to publish previously classified records this year, identifying 60,000 to 80,000 people who, from 1949 to 1989, whether voluntarily, under coercion or through blackmail, agreed to spy on their fellow Hungarians for the Communist Party.
This disclosure resonates with Hungarian society’s desire to take responsibility for the past.
In October, the world will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight, when ordinary citizens rose up against Soviet tyranny. In the brutal aftermath of that crushed uprising, more than 200,000 Hungarians fled their homeland, and many found refuge, freedom and a new life in the United States.
Seventy years later, the shared commitment to freedom and liberty offers a chance to renew and strengthen friendship and cooperation between Hungary and the U.S.
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The Hungarian government has placed renewed emphasis on the country’s commitment to democratic standards, including the rule of law, free and fair elections, independent democratic institutions, the separation of powers and market competition. It continues to strengthen fundamental civil and human rights, and its family assistance programs are designed to empower parents and safeguard children.
The new government maintains an uncompromising stance against illegal migration, recognizing that a country without secure national borders ceases to be a sovereign nation. By rejecting uncontrolled immigration and prioritizing national sovereignty, Hungary also safeguards the security of the European Union’s external borders.
The FBI’s International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest further strengthens joint efforts to combat international organized crime, human trafficking and illegal migration.
Hungary has reaffirmed its obligations as a committed NATO member by pledging to raise its defense budget to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. Budapest views its Western alliance as a framework for mutual respect and shared security commitments.
Hungary is a key partner in protecting NATO’s eastern flank, as shown by Hungary’s recent participation in the Baltic Air Policing mission and the operation of NATO’s Forward Land Forces Battle Group Hungary.
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Hungary has moved swiftly to restore a more constructive relationship with the European Union. The government reestablished Hungary as a reliable, engaged and, when necessary, critical EU member state, while restoring a constructive dialogue with the European Commission and within the Council of the European Union.
The government strongly believes that national sovereignty can and should be strengthened through cooperation with partners and allies.
Energy security and diversification provide further opportunities for investment and cooperation between Hungary and the U.S. through initiatives such as the Trump Peace Pipeline Framework and the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation.
Fortifying democratic processes and institutions benefits the entire nation. One of the new government’s key campaign promises was a sweeping anti-corruption drive to review the previous administration’s activities. As part of that effort, the government has created the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, an anti-corruption body with broad investigative and prosecutorial powers.
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The office’s mission: to uncover what has been described as systemic corruption, crony capitalism and state capture; to recover public assets; and to hold individuals and organizations responsible through independent courts and transparent audits.
Mr. Magyar’s government is proving that a nation can fiercely protect its borders, cultural heritage and sovereignty while championing transparency, international alliances and a competitive market economy.
• Anita Orban is the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Hungary.