Defeated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will not attend the April 23-24 EU summit, with Slovakia’s Robert Fico likely to represent Hungary as a new government looms.
Orban’s Absence from EU Summit
Viktor Orban will not attend the European Council meeting scheduled for April 23-24. According to Council regulations, Hungary will be represented by another leader, likely Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, as noted by Politico.
The portal highlighted Orban’s “destructive influence” on the European Council, frequently using his veto to block sanctions against Russia and EU aid to Ukraine. During last month’s EU leaders’ summit, European Council President Antonio Costa described Orban’s behavior as “blackmail” and “completely unacceptable.”
Government Transition and Kremlin Contacts
Hungarian media reports that Orban “withdrew” from discussions following a March meeting, despite European partners demanding explanations regarding his government’s contacts with the Kremlin. Media revealed that Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto regularly relayed information from EU summits to Sergey Lavrov.
Tisza Government Formation
The inauguration of Peter Magyar’s government is expected in early to mid-May. Magyar, the leader of the opposition, met with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok on Wednesday, who assured him he would be tasked with forming a government.
Sulyok indicated the first session of the National Assembly could occur as early as May 4, but May 6 or 7 is more realistic. Magyar stated the new Hungarian government could be sworn in by mid-May, potentially even before May 10.
Magyar requested that the President resign, as the President is appointed by the National Assembly. Tisza secured enough mandates to nominate their candidate (two-thirds of the Assembly, or 133 members).
Election Results and Political Shift
Viktor Orban, the longest-serving prime minister in Hungarian history, lost the election to the opposition Tisza, who secured a constitutional majority. With nearly 99% of votes counted, Magyar’s party holds 137 seats in parliament, Orban’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition has 56, and the far-right MiHazank has six. A rerun was ordered in one constituency.
The final vote difference in the Balaton district was 48, with Tisza’s candidate winning. Overseas and postal votes are still being tallied.
Reporting Information
Reporting from Budapest by Jakub Bawołek, PAP.
