Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary’s Tisza Party, stated today that a future government under his leadership would not participate in a €90 billion European Union loan intended to support Ukraine. The initiative had previously been blocked by current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his administration.
Magyar emphasized that Hungary’s financial situation does not allow for additional borrowing at this time.
“I will negotiate with European leaders. I agree that Hungary should be excluded from this. The country is in a very difficult financial position, and our priority now is to bring back funds that rightfully belong to Hungary,” Magyar said.
“We cannot afford to take on new loans. Hungary’s national debt has tripled since 2010.”
His remarks come just a day after the Tisza Party secured a convincing victory in the parliamentary elections, according to local media reports.
Skepticism Over Ukraine’s EU Membership
Addressing the issue of Ukraine’s potential accelerated accession to the European Union, Magyar expressed strong doubts about the feasibility of such a move while the country remains at war.
“It is impossible for a country at war to be admitted into the European Union,” he said.
He added that a significant number of EU member states do not view Ukraine’s rapid accession as a realistic scenario.
“All candidate countries must go through the same process, negotiating each chapter individually,” Magyar noted.
He also confirmed that Hungary plans to hold a referendum on whether the European Union should admit Ukraine, although he stressed that such a decision is not expected in the near future.
“This will not happen within the next few years—not even within the next decade,” he said.
Hungary’s Future Role in the EU
Despite his criticism of certain EU policies, Magyar reiterated that Hungary aims to remain a constructive partner within the bloc.
“We want Europe to have a strong voice,” he said, highlighting his intention to strengthen Hungary’s position within the European Union.
He also identified the unfreezing of EU funds as a key priority for the future government. Magyar confirmed that he has already held discussions with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Energy Policy and Relations with Russia
Péter Magyar also stated that a future government would do everything possible to diversify energy sources, while acknowledging that Hungary cannot fully detach itself from Russia in this area.
“Even we cannot change geography. Russia will remain where it is, and Hungary will remain where it is. We will do everything to diversify, but that does not mean we will completely break away,” Magyar said.
“We will always seek to purchase oil as cheaply and as safely as possible.”
He stressed that energy security is one of Hungary’s top priorities, adding that diversification is the most cost-effective way to secure raw materials.
According to Magyar, existing infrastructure and global geopolitical tensions continue to pose risks to Hungary’s energy supply.
“The Druzhba pipeline and developments in regions such as Iran show how vulnerable supply chains can be. That is why it is in Hungary’s interest to diversify its energy sources,” he noted.
Magyar also expressed hope that the war will not continue for years and suggested that the European Union could eventually lift sanctions on Russia once the conflict ends, arguing that long-term restrictions may weaken Europe’s competitiveness.
“No one will defend human rights more strongly than I will, but we must not shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said.
