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This is seen as the first positive achievement for the new Prime Minister Peter Magyar after less than three weeks in power, so it's understandable that he called May 29th a "historic day." The amount, equivalent to 13% of GDP, is extremely significant at a time when the Hungarian economy is facing many difficulties, especially weak infrastructure and a heavy budget deficit. It also marks a crucial turning point in relations between Hungary and the EU.

Hungarian-EU relations have been turbulent during Prime Minister Orban's 16 years in power. Brussels viewed Budapest as a "thorn in its side," with Orban openly boasting that Hungary was almost the only EU member that maintained close ties with Russia. He repeatedly opposed Brussels' sanctions against Moscow and its obstruction of Ukraine's accession and aid to Russia during its conflict with Russia. During his election campaign earlier this year, the Hungarian Prime Minister went so far as to say that the EU, not Russia, was the real threat. "Sowing fear about (Russian President) Vladimir Putin is short-sighted and unserious. Meanwhile, Brussels is the real reality and the source of the imminent threat," Orban told his supporters. "We must get used to the idea that those who love freedom should not fear the East, but the EU," he added.

In the media, Prime Minister Orban is often described using terms like populist, far-right, or authoritarian, which are highly frowned upon in mainstream European politics . This rare leader, who is close to both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Putin, has also frequently clashed with other countries in the bloc due to differing approaches on various issues.

Following Orban's overwhelming re-election in 2022, the EU launched an investigation into the election. This marked a turning point leading to the procedures to cut off funding for Hungary, raising concerns about "democratic standards." That same year, the European Parliament issued a statement declaring that Hungary was no longer a "full democracy."

Therefore, Brussels enthusiastically congratulated Magyar, who pledged to improve relations with the EU, when he defeated Orban in the April election.

Referring to the recently reached disbursement agreement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed it as historic, marking the beginning of a new era in relations between the EU and Hungary after years of tension under former Prime Minister Orban. She also used glowing terms to describe the new Prime Minister Magyar: “We can feel a powerful wind of change across Hungary… In just a few weeks, Mr. Magyar has pushed forward long-delayed reforms.”

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Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nguoi-moi-thoi-moi--a205977.html