Magyar ran on a platform promising to reform Hungarian politics and reinstate the system of checks and balances that had been increasingly diminished by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán throughout his 16-year tenure.
Péter Magyar, Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, justified his choice to name his brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, as Minister of Justice.
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The appointment has drawn criticism largely from members of the now-opposition Fidesz party, which was removed from power following the Tisza Party’s sweeping victory in the 12 April parliamentary elections.
«We must begin to realign our country, secure EU funding, reactivate the economy, and enhance public services,» Magyar stated in a social media video lasting about six minutes.
«In addition to mending the damages of past decades, uniting the Hungarian people, and naturally, ensuring justice for those responsible for the crimes of the former regime.»
The announcement of Melléthei-Barna’s role came directly from Magyar, marking one of the final ministerial appointments alongside Gábor Pósfai, nominated for the Interior Ministry.
Melléthei-Barna, a lawyer and university contemporary of Magyar, was among the original 10 founders of the Tisza Party in 2020 and acted as the party’s legal director.
He has also occupied various legal roles within the party, including leadership of several subdivisions and representation duties—for instance, as the party’s delegate at the National Election Committee during the 2024 European Parliament elections.
«The future Minister of Justice possesses an undisputed domestic and international track record characterized by high-quality work and a clear vision,» Magyar remarked in the video.
«He has been integral to our regime change initiative from day one, helping to shape and propel our strategies and policies… Furthermore, after joining our community, he connected his life with my sister. Thus, I consider it critically important that his work remains transparent and open to public scrutiny.»
Being married to Magyar’s sister, Anna Ilona, Melléthei-Barna’s familial ties have «posed a significant dilemma for me,» Magyar admitted.
He acknowledged that concerns about nepotism within the government team are «understandable,» noting that his sister will be suspended from the judiciary, where she served as a judge.
Restoring Relations
Magyar’s campaign focused on cleansing Hungarian politics and reinstating the system of checks and balances that had been steadily undermined by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over the past 16 years.
He also committed to renewing ties with the European Union and convened a series of high-level discussions with Brussels officials on Wednesday.
Magyar engaged in his first direct talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following his election victory, where both leaders addressed measures to unlock billions in EU funds currently withheld due to concerns surrounding corruption and the rule of law.
Hungary faces losing approximately €10 billion in post-pandemic financial support aimed at bolstering its economy if Magyar does not finalize an agreement before the August deadline. He is scheduled to return to Brussels for an official visit on 25 May after assuming office.
Hungary remains the sole EU member state still awaiting approval for its extensive defence initiative, SAFE, which would be funded by low-interest loans offered by the European Commission, totaling about €16 billion.
Sources suggest that Brussels has delayed a decision pending the general election outcome.
While assuring that «EU funds will soon start reaching Hungary,» Magyar emphasized that the accompanying reforms focused on the rule of law will not compromise Hungary’s national interests.
Earlier this week, Magyar proposed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to «open a new chapter in bilateral relations,» marking a shift from Orbán’s previously strained interactions with Kyiv.
Orbán had frequently leveraged Hungary’s veto power within Central Europe to obstruct financial aid to Ukraine and block its EU membership bid.
«I am initiating a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for early June, symbolically in Berehove, a city with a Hungarian majority,» Magyar announced on social media following discussions with the mayor of the Ukrainian town in Budapest.
Hungary’s new government is set to assume office on 9 May, coinciding with Europe Day.
This date commemorates the Schuman Declaration made on 9 May 1950 by Robert Schuman, which proposed merging the coal and steel industries of France, Italy, and West Germany—thus laying the foundation for the European Union.