In January 2024, Grassroots for Europe held a roundtable with Polish and Hungarian experts to examine the differences between the political situations of the two formerly allied countries.
According to Professor Hübner, one of the panelists, Poland was lucky that it had not reached the total break up of liberal democracy. Poland’s national elections had just ousted the Law and Order Party (PiS), the last semi-autocratic government. Meanwhile in Hungary Viktor Orbán is still at war with EU values and regulations. He carries on with his illiberal democracy, making changes to the judiciary, the constitution and, as I reported, has taken over of most of the free media.
A centuries-long partnership between the two countries has become strained, partly because of Orbán’s Russia-friendly politics.
The new potential Hungarian government
Péter Magyar, the leader of the Hungarian opposition party who is challenging the autocratic Orbán’s 15-year rule, wants to change Hungary’s relationship with the country’s neighbours. He publishes his speeches daily on social media and hosts the TISZTA Hang podcast, mostly posting reactions to the government’s smear campaign against him or his supporters.
Whilst travelling to Munich’s EU conference with foreign policy expert Anita Orbán, Magyar issued a statement on YouTube stating his intention to negotiate with European leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Croatian Prime Minister.
However, his top priority was meeting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to restore relations between the two countries. He said: “[W]e will touch upon the earliest possible return of EU funds owed to Hungary, and the strengthening of Polish-Hungarian cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, defence, transport, education, and culture.”
Magyar also mentioned a desire to strengthen the rights of Hungarians in Slovakia and Transcarpathia, as well as securing a Russo-Ukrainian ceasefire.
A different Orbán
As the Hungarian team greeted Donald Tusk and his team, Magyar joked about the coincidence of his future foreign minister carrying the Orbán name and Tusk responded that he understood, as his name was Donald.
The meetings held in Munich showed how well Magyar and his team speak English and the atmosphere was very amicable.
Magyar has chosen well as far as his (hopefully) future most important ministers are concerned: Anita Orbán for foreign minister and István Kapitány for trade and industry.
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
An expert as future foreign minister
Anita Orbán’s CV is very impressive. She graduated from the Corvinus University of Budapest (BCE) in 1997, then worked in the financial field at Matáv, the predecessor of Magyar Telekom.
Krisztián Orbán, who was her husband at the time, also received an American scholarship along with his wife, so they moved to the United States together. She earned a master’s degree in history from Tufts University in Boston, and a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
In 2007, she became the first Hungarian to receive a doctorate there. In 2008, her first of several books was published. She taught international relations as an assistant professor in America. Her main research area was the expansion of Soviet and Russian companies in Europe after 1990.
After moving back from the US, she was to be the Fidesz candidate for the Újbuda constituency in the 2010 parliamentary election, but withdrew citing health reasons. After Fidesz’s election victory, she worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and became Hungary’s ambassador at large for energy security, and also served as chair of the Danube Energy Cooperation Committee.
Between 2010 and 2015, she worked in this capacity, while she was also the head of the foreign policy section on the Heti Válasz newspaper. Anita was also the deputy director of the Budapest based Institute for Democratic Transformation, founded in 2005.
In 2015, she resigned her ambassadorial post as she felt the ministry veered off in a direction she couldn’t support. She left her diplomatic work to move back into commerce.
She took a job in the liquefied natural gas industry in the UK, first as a senior advisor at Cheniere Marketing Ltd in London (a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy), and then at the headquarters of Tellurian, also an American company, where she was responsible for developing the Central and Southern European markets and corporate relations.
In 2021, she returned to Hungary and became Deputy CEO of Vodafone, responsible for corporate relations.
As Péter Magyar continues putting together his future ministerial team, Anita seemed an ideal candidate with both diplomatic and economic training and experience.
On 24 January 2026, she was declared the Foreign Affairs Director of the Tisza Party, to lead the ministry of foreign affairs of the (hopefully) new Hungarian government.
István Kapitány, future minister for trade
Already in his early career István Kapitány held a number of management positions in Shell at a local, regional and international level.
He worked in Germany, Hungary, South Africa and the United States. He was Senior Vice President for Retail in Europe and Africa, overseeing the 11,000 Shell service stations in the region as well as coordinating the downstream activities in the region.
From 2014, Kapitány was Global Executive Vice President for Shell’s Mobility business for over ten years.
In 2012, in recognition of his achievements in international business, his alma mater awarded him the title of Honorary Citizen of the University.
In 2023 he was honoured with the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary for his contribution towards sustainability and energy diversification objectives as well outstanding accomplishments during his international career.
Until Magyar offered him the position of minister for trade, he was based in London.
Outlook for Hungary if the oppositions wins
If the opposition doesn’t win the required 2/3rd in the April elections, it will not be due to Péter Magyar not putting in enough effort. He has published a 240-page manifesto, continues his arduous rallies across the country, and in addition to the above candidates, he has put together an excellent team to help him steer Hungary back to a more democratic future.
Sadly, it is clear that Viktor Orbán is supported by Trump and Putin. Magyar has an uphill struggle in which every vote will count. The hurdles he faces are tough.
This is a David and Goliath situation and I hope Magyar has the sling shot. Otherwise, Hungary and Europe will continue to face Orbán’s destructive influence.
