No, Peter Magyar is not just a warmed over Viktor Orban

Is Peter Magyar just a more polished Viktor Orban? That question has hovered over Hungary since the longtime strongman was finally voted out after 16 years in power. Skepticism is understandable: Magyar is, after all, a defector from Orban’s own Fidesz party, not an outsider who built his career opposing the system.

But the difference is more than cosmetic, especially on major issues where Orban became iconic as a pioneer of illiberal democracy.

Corruption: Orban’s Hungary had become synonymous with entrenched patronage. Political loyalty and economic opportunity were intertwined. Magyar’s rise was thus largely a revolt against what economist Krisztian Orban (no relation to Viktor Orban) calls “a centralized, industrial-level funneling of funds towards Fidesz.” Magyar, who campaigned with the promise of investigating every recent state investment of over $32 million, said that “Hungary has become Europe’s poorest and most corrupt country” and promised “to eradicate this.” 

European Union: In contrast to Orban’s constant confrontations, Magyar will likely pursue a pragmatic relationship, possibly even trying to join the Eurozone. “Hungary’s place was, is and will be in Europe and the European Union,” he has said. “We will start the process of joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and Hungary will be a constructive partner for the union.” 

Support for Ukraine: Orban’s Hungary stood out in the EU for its closeness to Moscow and hostility toward Ukraine. Although Magyar opposes accelerated accession into the EU by Ukraine, he is clear about who was the aggressor: “Ukraine is the victim of this war [and] it is the job of any Ukrainian government to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty.” He also calls for Ukraine to be given security and........

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