Name? Péter Magyar
Westphalian identity? Hungarian
Age? 45
Why is he in the news? After a landslide victory in April, Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s new Prime Minister having made anti-corruption the centrepiece of his campaign. Last Friday, he took one of the biggest steps in this fight when Hungary was approved for membership in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Days before, in a further push to fight corruption, Magyar suspended public news broadcasting with the stated aim of rebuilding it as “independent and trustworthy”, ending years of government-controlled coverage under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Why do we care? Following a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission announced in May that the EU would unlock €16.4 billion in post-pandemic recovery funds for Hungary. The money that had previously been withheld over corruption concerns gives Magyar’s government a significant economic boost, worth 13% of Hungary’s national budget, at a critical moment in his anti-corruption reform agenda.
Why should you care? The new approaches to fighting corruption mark a pivotal shift in how the EU deals with member states experiencing democratic backsliding. Hungary was the first EU member to have its funds frozen, so its resolution, together with Magyar’s current tactics, sets a potential precedent against which other member states may be measured.
Who else cares? Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin has signaled Ireland’s intention to join the EPPO, with full accession expected by 2027, as Ireland and Denmark are the only other EU members that have not yet joined the organisation. Ireland has been warned by Andrés Ritter, the incoming Chief Prosecutor, that Ireland’s absence risks creating a hotspot for organised crime through money laundering and fraud.
Any further comments? While Magyar continues pushing his agenda, the real test will be whether the reforms outlast his initial momentum.
