Stories from Budapest · Hungary

The court noted that a non-independent system undermines the application of European Union law, which requires impartial and independent tribunals. The court is taking action to ensure EU law can be properly enforced.

A new Justice Minister is expected to be appointed in Hungary by May 12 or 13. The appointee is reportedly a lawyer tasked with restoring the rule of law in the country. The source noted that the individual comes from a family of lawyers. This appointment follows the recent election of a new Prime Minister-elect. The new cabinet is expected to be formed within days of the election. Piter Modziar, leader of the Tisa party, is set to become Hungary's Minister of Justice in the new cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 9. Magyar stated the nomination is based solely on professional qualifications rather than personal connections.

Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski recalled the Polish ambassador from Budapest indefinitely following a political dispute. The vacancy in the Budapest embassy remains unfilled.

Candidate Magyar has called for the resignation of Hungary's top judges, including the head of the Supreme Court. The head of the Supreme Court is an appointee of Viktor Orban. If the judges refuse to step down, Magyar's potential new government could force their resignations. Lassa claimed that individuals supporting Orbán have received promotions while criminal cases involving members of the Fidesz party frequently disappear. According to Lassa, the most sensitive cases often fail to reach court, particularly within the criminal department. Former judge Adrian Lassa resigned from her position after more than two decades in the Hungarian judiciary. Lassa announced her resignation via a Facebook post, describing it as a difficult decision. She noted the judicial system she joined in 2001 has changed significantly.

Over 40% of respondents surveyed by CeBOS believe the April parliamentary elections in Hungary will be for Poland. Only 9% of those surveyed hold an opposing view. Additionally, 27% of respondents assessed that the election results will have no significance for Poland.

The US Vice President has stated intentions to discuss the situation in Ukraine with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban. GDELT reports that countries are now competing to cooperate with Kyiv as the global landscape for Ukraine shifts.

Opposition leader Péter Magyar has issued conditions for Hungary to move away from the current government's policies regarding Ukraine's EU membership. The demands include protections for the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, specifically regarding access to education in the Hungarian language. These conditions reportedly mirror 11 requirements previously set by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Magyar's Tiszá party received 141 seats in the mid-April elections. The Tisza party, led by Mader, has set conditions for aligning with the European Union. Bloomberg reports that Hungarian party leader Péter Madiar, who is preparing to assume the role of Prime Minister, wants Ukraine to grant Hungary more rights during the EU accession process. This follows a meeting between Madiar and the President.

The discussion addressed whether current frozen assets should be released to the country.

Hungarian Prime Minister Maguiar promised that EU funds will arrive soon for his country. Maguiar announced a second visit to Brussels during the last week of May following his assumption of office.

Incoming Hungarian leader Peter Magyar stated on Wednesday that frozen European Union funds will begin flowing to Budapest. The move aims to resolve long-standing budgetary freezes. The broadcaster noted that Hungary's refusal to cooperate has been used as a reason for blocking funds, creating a crisis within the EU. There is uncertainty regarding whether the funds will actually be released to Ukraine or if the blockage is a permanent obstacle. Peter Magyar has pledged to restore the public service role of state media upon taking office on May 9th. This follows a period of instability where 80 journalists resigned en masse in 2020. Observers are monitoring whether the incoming Prime Minister will uphold this commitment.