Magyar arrived in Brussels more as a contestant than a lost leader coming in from the cold. But he left with a big prize
Brussels’ arch antagonist might be out of the picture since Viktor Orbán’s defeat last month, but huge reforms and political détente stand between smooth relations with Hungary. Is Péter Magyar the man to reset the balance?
Early indicators provided reasons for optimism, but plenty of margin for doubt as well. Notwithstanding relief at Orbán’s departure, his successor has been reticent to walk back on Hungary’s long-held resistance to Brussels – most notably on the question of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.
Then there was the awkward manoeuvring as a meeting between Magyar and Ursula von der Leyen was seemingly delayed, with the Commission evasive until the last minute about when this would take place. As welcome receptions for a key new head of state go, this was decidedly chilly.
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