Péter Magyar, the newly elected leader of Hungary, has declared he would urge Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine if the Russian president were to call him. This statement comes just a day after Magyar's Tisza party secured a significant victory, ending Viktor Orbán's long tenure.
Magyar indicated that while he would not initiate contact with Putin, he would accept a call and convey his message to cease hostilities. "If Vladimir Putin calls I'll pick up the phone," he told reporters during a lengthy press conference following his party's electoral success. He expressed doubt about such a call occurring but reiterated, "if we did talk I'd tell him to please, after four years, put an end to the killing and end this war."
Magyar, a former insider of Orbán's Fidesz party, campaigned on a platform to combat corruption and cronyism. His Tisza party is projected to hold a substantial majority in parliament, allowing for constitutional changes.
He also noted that Hungary has "chosen Europe," a sentiment echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Magyar confirmed he has already spoken with several European leaders and plans diplomatic visits to Poland, Austria, and Germany. He emphasized Hungary's interest in joining the eurozone and maintaining closer ties within the EU, contrasting with Orbán's often confrontational approach towards Brussels and Kyiv.