Péter Mátyás, the incoming Prime Minister of Hungary, is expected to address the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia through dialogue rather than confrontation. This approach signals to both the Hungarian community and Kyiv that Budapest will continue to advocate for minority rights.
Rasto Kuzhel, executive director of the Slovak organization Memo 9, which monitors political developments in Europe, emphasized that Mátyás’s stance aims to reassure conservative voters in Hungary. He noted that the new government intends to engage in negotiations with Ukraine rather than escalate tensions.
“Statements regarding Hungarians in Ukraine also serve to calm conservative voters at home and demonstrate that a change in government does not mean a retreat from protecting Hungarian national interests,” Kuzhel added.
Mátyás, leader of the Tisza party, has called for expanded rights for Hungarians in Ukraine, asserting that Budapest would be willing to support Ukraine’s EU accession talks only under these conditions. This issue reportedly arose during a meeting between Mátyás and European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels.
The future Prime Minister’s position largely mirrors previous demands made by Viktor Orbán, focusing on a list of 11 points presented to Kyiv in 2024. These points emphasize the rights of the Hungarian community, including the opportunity for education in the Hungarian language.
Additionally, Mátyás met with Zoltan Babjak, the mayor of Berehove, to discuss support for the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia and the potential for rebuilding constructive relations between Ukraine and Hungary. Babjak indicated that there are no reported abuses against the Hungarian minority in the region.
Mátyás has also proposed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berehove in June to further discuss these matters.
Péter Mátyás, Hungary's incoming Prime Minister, plans to advocate for the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine through dialogue. His approach aims to reassure both the Hungarian community and conservative voters back home while seeking to foster constructive relations with Ukraine.