At his first press conference after the Tisza party faction meeting, future head of the Hungarian government Peter Madyar not only presented the cabinet composition but also addressed pressing foreign policy issues, including the Druzhba pipeline.
On Monday, the future Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Madyar, held his first press conference after a meeting of his party's Tisza parliamentary faction. At this event, he not only announced the names of the ministers of the future government but also actively addressed key aspects of foreign policy.
It is worth noting that earlier Madyar invited the Prime Minister of Israel, who has been issued an arrest warrant by the ICC for war crimes, to Budapest. Unlike Orbán's government, which initiated Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC last year, Madyar stated his intention to maintain the country's membership in this organization and halt the withdrawal process.
Journalists from Telex asked Madyar whether he had discussed this sensitive topic with the Prime Minister of Israel. To this, Peter Madyar clearly replied: "I have not made any deals; if a person who is wanted enters Hungary, he must be detained... I do not need to discuss everything over the phone; I believe that all heads of state and government are aware of these laws."
Resumption of the Druzhba Pipeline
Madyar also paid attention to the issue of resuming operations of the strategic Druzhba pipeline.
In response to a question from the Financial Times about the proposed offer from the Ukrainian president to resume oil supplies, Madyar was extremely candid. He stated: "What can I say to the Ukrainian president? We do not know each other; we have not spoken on the phone, so this is not a game. If the Druzhba is suitable for transporting oil, then please open the pipeline as promised. And we ask the Russians to supply oil because without it, it will not work."
The future Prime Minister also noted that, according to his information, the resumption of supplies could happen soon. He sternly warned: "I would not advise the Ukrainian president to resort to blackmail; not only will Hungary not swallow this, but Europe does not want to renegotiate what has already been agreed upon; this is not how it is done in Europe."
Earlier, Viktor Orbán expressed hope that supplies through the Druzhba pipeline would resume as early as Monday. However, unfortunately, this has not yet happened.
Unblocking EU Funds
Peter Madyar also elaborated on the topic of unblocking European funds and his expectations related to this important issue.
He emphasized that many of the current EU conditions are already unrealistic to fulfill and should be abandoned. However, in his opinion, four key areas, including the fight against corruption and ensuring press freedom, are quite achievable. "This is what the European Commission expects," Madyar confidently stated.
Madyar is convinced that his team will be able to achieve in three months what Orbán's government could not accomplish in three years. He stated that the Tisza party will resolve any issues, and European funds will be effectively used in already implemented projects to stabilize the economy.
The Hungarian politician also addressed the European Commission with an initiative to suspend fines for refugee admission quotas, which have become a "legacy" of the previous Orbán government. He recounted: "At first, they shook their heads, saying it was impossible, but then they said they would try."
Madyar expressed his willingness to communicate daily with the head of the European Commission if needed. He optimistically expects that "he will be able to sign a political agreement between May 15 and 20," as the necessary legislative changes will be made by May 31, after which Brussels will be able to transfer the long-awaited funds.
