Magyar has threatened to cut off the state broadcaster’s transmission following a confrontational exchange on air, accusing it of disseminating “North Korean-style” propaganda and falsehoods about his family during the electoral period.
Péter Magyar, Hungary’s prime minister-elect, announced his intention to suspend the national broadcaster’s signal once his government is established. This declaration followed a highly contentious appearance on the public Hungarian television station on Wednesday morning.
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Magyar’s Tisza Party won a decisive victory in last Sunday’s elections, and he has repeatedly criticized the state media for exhibiting bias against his faction.
Although this interview was Magyar’s first on the national broadcaster in a year and a half, MTVA, the state media authority, asserted it had extended numerous invitations to Magyar and his party throughout the campaign period.
During two interviews — one on public radio and another on television — Magyar engaged in sharp exchanges filled with interruptions and mutual accusations, ending on acrimonious notes.
“A key point in our platform is to bring an end to this factory of lies once a Tisza government is in place,” Magyar told the host. “The spread of fake news here must cease, and we will establish independent, objective, and impartial conditions to eliminate this propaganda.”
He accused the broadcaster of disseminating untrue information about him and vilifying his family during the campaign, allegations that the presenter denied.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I reject the claims that we insulted your family,” the presenter responded.
“It has been repeatedly stated in this studio that my minor children do not communicate with me — yet they live with me,” Magyar countered.
The incoming prime minister compared MTVA’s operations to those of North Korean state media.
“Since 2010, what has taken place here resembles propaganda admired by Goebbels or the North Korean leadership — not a single truthful statement is made. This must end,” he asserted.
He additionally alleged that MTVA had broadcast misleading reports about Germany, including false claims that the country lacks internet access and that people there “no longer have sex.”
The presenter denied any legal violations by MTVA.
Magyar’s stance parallels the approach of his political ally, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who, after assuming office in 2023, took extensive measures against Poland’s state broadcaster.
Following a pledge to convert it into an independent public service, the Polish government cut television signals and removed its leadership.