Former Romanian president Traian Băsescu has mused in a phone interview with Digi24 that from an ideological point of view Péter Magyar is “almost a mirror image” of Viktor Orbán, also describing him as “a sovereignist at heart”.
Băsescu does not believe that Magyar will bring major changed to Hungary. The only likely shift, he argued, would be the implementation of the 27 reform milestones required to unlock European funds—money Hungary is entitled to receive.
Asked whether a figure like Magyar could emerge in Romania, Băsescu dismissed the possibility. Because Péter Magyar, he says, shows a nationalist stance, opposition to supporting Ukraine, and resistance to Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, Băsescu added that he would not be surprised if Magyar also opposed Moldova’s EU ambitions.
In comparison, The Times profiled the Budapest opposition leader who has ended Orbán’s 16-year dominance and pledged to fight corruption and repair Hungary’s ties with the European Union. A candidate from his Tisza movement, surgeon Zsolt Hegedus, described Magyar as “a catalyst, a spark with remarkable motivational energy.”
Unlike Orbán, who grew up in poverty, Magyar comes from a prominent background, is related to a former Hungarian president, and was raised in Budapest’s affluent Buda district. He rose through the ranks of Orbán’s Fidesz party, holding board positions in state-owned companies, serving as a diplomat in Brussels, and marrying Judit Varga, later justice minister. During his time in Brussels, he was known for his combative style.
Despite Băsescu’s statements, (Hungarian) commentators have pushed back that what made Orbán obsolete was his lack of transparency towards funding and corruption, whereas Tisza showed a willingness to move away from this legacy by joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Romanian president congratulates Peter Magyar for “historic victory”
