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After nearly 16 years of Fidesz rule, Hungary’s opposition Tisza party aims to restore the country’s international standing. If elected in April, Budapest would seek cooperation with Europe and strengthen ties with global allies.
Returning Hungary to Europe
Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, has emphasized Hungary’s place in Europe and the West. The party promises to rebuild trust with EU partners and end the government’s role as a spoiler in EU decision-making.
Anita Orban, Tisza’s foreign-minister designate, said Hungary must “stop being a stick in the spokes and start being a spoke in the wheel,” signaling a return to constructive engagement with the EU.
Democracy, Rule of Law, and EU Funds
Tisza plans to restore democratic norms and the rule of law. This approach could unlock suspended EU funds while strengthening Hungary’s sovereignty. The party faces challenges due to Fidesz-controlled institutions, but it aims to negotiate compromises to access resources without compromising its principles.
Balancing Sovereignty and EU Cooperation
Tisza emphasizes that Hungary can protect its national interests while participating fully in EU structures. Migration will remain a sensitive issue, with Tisza retaining strict border policies but negotiating within EU frameworks, unlike the previous government’s confrontational approach.
Resetting Regional Relations
Tisza aims to repair ties with Poland, strengthen the Visegrad Group, and settle disputes with Slovakia and Ukraine regarding ethnic Hungarian minorities. The party favors negotiation over confrontation and plans to end Hungary’s veto policy against EU support for Ukraine.
Reducing Dependence on Russia
Tisza seeks to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian energy by 2035. The party plans to renegotiate opaque deals and prioritize EU-backed energy infrastructure. Cooperation with the US and European partners on energy independence is also a priority.
Foreign Policy as a Campaign Priority
Unlike previous elections, foreign policy is central to Tisza’s campaign. The party positions international reintegration as inseparable from national recovery. Its vision includes loyalty to the EU and NATO, good neighborly relations, and responsibility for ethnic Hungarians abroad.
A Symbolic Choice for Hungary’s Future
Hungarians will vote in the April 12 parliamentary election, marking a potential turning point in the country’s foreign policy. Magyar frames the election as a choice between confrontation and cooperation, a chance to return Hungary to Europe.
