What Does Peter Markayar’s Stance Toward Putin Indicate After 16 Years of Viktor Orbán’s Rule?
Peter Markayar has taken over as Hungary’s Prime Minister, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure. While he has made it clear he will not initiate a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he pledged to respond if Putin reaches out. Markayar’s party, Fidesz, secured a two-thirds ‘supermajority’ in parliament, and he has committed to eradicating corruption and nepotism.
April 15, Kathmandu – Following the conclusion of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year governance in Hungary, Peter Markayar assumed the prime ministerial office. He has already engaged in discussions with European leaders but stated he will not be the one to call Putin directly. Markayar said, ‘If Putin calls, I will answer the phone.’ He added, ‘I don’t expect this to happen, but if it does, I will urge him to end this killing and war within six years.’
The Russian side has expressed hope that the new government will respect Markayar’s victory and maintain practical relations with Hungary. Although Markayar said he would not be the first to call former US President Trump, he acknowledged he would welcome such a call. He also emphasized Hungary’s strong partnership within the US-led NATO alliance. Markayar plans to invite Trump to attend the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising against Soviet occupation this October.
Markayar gained political momentum through a grassroots movement against corruption and nepotism. Preliminary results show Fidesz winning 136 seats out of 138, a slight shortfall from full control but still considered a two-thirds supermajority, which allows constitutional amendments. On Monday, Markayar was a prominent topic among European leaders, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commenting that ‘Hungary has chosen Europe.’
Markayar dismissed the previous government’s plans as negligible and affirmed Hungary’s commitment to remaining within the European Union (EU) and joining the Eurozone. He also intends to visit neighboring Poland, Austria, and Germany for diplomatic talks, all countries with which Hungary maintains strong relations. Markayar noted, ‘From Russia’s perspective, this war was meaningless; thousands of Russians have lost their lives, and thousands of Russian families have been destroyed.’
Markayar suggested a brief phone conversation with Putin could be possible, but he expressed limited confidence in ending the war. During a press conference on Monday, the new Prime Minister was handed a note alleging that the outgoing Foreign Minister had destroyed confidential documents related to sanctions against Russia. However, the ministry has not responded to these allegations.