Orban told the committee at her pre-appointment hearing that the most pressing issue was to regain access to EU funding by "restoring lost trust and fulfilling the requirements to open the road to the monies Hungarians are entitled to."

The EU requirements are in line with what Hungarians voted for at the general election on April 12, including an independent judiciary, clean and transparent public procurements, an end to "sweeping corruption under the rug through political connections", a transparent use of EU funding, and that "public funds should not lose their public nature," she said.

The EU does not expect Hungary to do anything detrimental to Hungarians, abandon its interests or automatically nod in agreement during European debates. "Anyone who claims that Hungary must do something against the nation in order to secure EU funds is misleading the Hungarian people," she said.

"The reality is that bringing the funds home requires a fair, transparent Hungary governed by the rule of law."

Orban highlighted parliament's key role in the process in the coming weeks, noting that access to EU finds hinged on laws, institutional guarantees, and verifiable implementation.

The government will therefore submit a legislative agenda to the National Assembly that serves three purposes: strengthening the independence of the judiciary, establishing genuine anti-corruption safeguards and the transparent and verifiable use of public funds.

In recent years, Hungary has too often appeared in European decision-making not as a partner but as a problem, and has too often used the veto as a political ploy, she said. The price has been not only diplomatic isolation but also a loss of influence and trust, she added.

"Hungary will not be a weak, silent member state, nor will it fail to defend its own interests. But Hungary will once again be a predictable, negotiable, alliance-building, and reliable partner," she declared.

Hungary will veto EU decisions only when genuine Hungarian interests are at stake, she said.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Orban said Hungary was on the side of peace and will not be drawn into the conflict by sending there soldiers or weapons. 

"There are strict conditions for Ukraine’s rapprochement with Europe. It is important to respect the rights of the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, but the protection of their rights cannot be a political charade; rather, it must be the result of serious bilateral negotiations and consistent European efforts."

She said that the Hungarian people had given a clear mandate to put an end to corruption, isolation "and the fact that Hungary is fighting its own ally while losing influence, money, and its future."

The incoming government's task is to translate this mandate into government action, a legislative agenda and tangible results, she said.

In response to a question from a member of parliament, she stated that households must be provided with a predictable, affordable, and stable energy supply. Asked about migration, she said it was in Hungary’s interest to strengthen border protection.

At the end of the meeting, the committee approved Orban’s appointment as foreign minister with 6 votes in favor and 2 abstentions.

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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