At his press conference yesterday, Magyar was extensively asked about his views on Russia and called for “pragmatic” relations between the countries (Europe Live, Monday).
Hmmm
He argued that Hungary “cannot change geography” as it still relied on energy supplies from Russia, even as he suggested he would push to diversify these sources in the future.
Well, yeah. And the reason Ukraine has been so (justifiably) obstinate about wrecking energy supplies that go to Hungary is because Orban was refusing outright to explore alternatives, with predictable consequences.
I think it’s too soon to tell, tbh, but it’ll surely be an improvement from Orban - though that is really not a high bar.
Literally anything is an improvement from the kleptocracy of Orbán.
I don’t have high hopes as Magyar is still a center-right candidate who to date refuses to address even the possibility of rolling back the anti-LGBTQ laws FIDESZ forced through, let alone the various other issues, but nonetheless it’s an improvement.
These leaders don’t operate in a vacuum. Majority of hungarians are very conservative and addressing LGBT issues would make it harder for him to get elected.
