Hungary's New Leader Sparks 'Radical Change' in Two Months

Hungary is experiencing what EU officials are calling a "radical change" after years of rule-of-law concerns, with new Prime Minister Péter Magyar launching sweeping reforms in just his first two months in office.

The European Commission released a report Friday highlighting the country's "intense reform efforts" and "impressive" progress. Officials say things have moved "very, very quickly in the right direction" since Magyar took power.

One of the biggest steps came when Hungary decided to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office, which investigates financial crimes and corruption affecting EU budgets across member states. The move opens the door for investigations into alleged corruption from the previous government era.

Magyar has also dismantled the controversial "Sovereignty Protection Office" created under his predecessor Viktor Orbán. That office had been accused of accessing citizens' personal data to investigate and punish alleged foreign agents, triggering an EU legal case.

The new government has pushed through legislative changes on anti-corruption measures, asset declarations, and integrity monitoring. EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said the early weeks of Magyar's mandate show "very positive trends" with "a lot already done."

The Bright Side

While celebrating the momentum, EU officials acknowledge that complete transformation takes time. "Things cannot completely change overnight," a senior official noted, pointing out that many recommendations from previous years still need addressing.

Concerns remain about how Hungary's top prosecutor is appointed, with the Commission worried about potential political interference. The civic space for smaller organizations also faces challenges, with complex registration procedures creating barriers for groups with limited resources.

Still, the speed of change represents a dramatic shift for a country that had struggled with rule-of-law issues for years. The reforms come at an important time, as the EU strengthens links between rule-of-law compliance and funding allocation in its upcoming 2028-34 budget.

The Commission doesn't rank countries but publishes assessments for each member state. For Hungary, the direction of travel matters as much as the distance still to go.

After years of tension between Budapest and Brussels, Magyar's government is showing that political will can drive rapid change when leaders commit to democratic standards and transparency.