Analysts Say Magyar Unlikely to Exercise Self-Restraint

It is too good to be true that a new government would simultaneously preserve existing benefits while expanding them, a left-wing analyst declared.

Magyar Péter, a Tisza Párt elnöke Fotó: NurPhoto/AFP/Marek Antoni Ivanczuk

Istvan Pocza said fuel prices would be relatively easy to adjust, but noted that Tisza had previously spoken about a 480-forint price cap, putting itself in a difficult communication position.

Another option would be to alter regulated utility prices, which the European Commission has long criticized. This could either be fully abolished, with serious social consequences, or converted into a tiered system,

– he said. Recalling analysts' speculation about a potential two-thirds Tisza majority, Pocza suggested it cannot be ruled out that the Tisza Party could restructure the municipal system and call local elections as early as the autumn, in order to “entrench itself in local governments and later introduce unpopular measures.” Nagy said he also does not expect any self-restraint from Peter Magyar, because he gas the capacity to remove public officials listed during the campaign. 

All that is needed is a constitutional amendment, and it is done,

 – he said.

The two political analysts agreed that constitutional reform should not be rushed, and that markets are primarily concerned not with the identity of the president, but with whether economic policy and the legal environment will finally become predictable. Attila Tibor Nagy said it is not desirable for a government to view and steer the country solely through the interests of businesses. He added, however, that if the neoliberal-minded István Kapitány were to gain too much influence within the government, ‘a kind of distorted outlook could emerge.’ István Pócza said that if a government is unable to present an economic vision—whether due to its own mistakes or the international environment—it can put itself in a very difficult position. From this perspective, he argued, the Tisza Party will also face major challenges, which is why he expects a possible erosion of its ‘overnight-formed’ voter base.

Nagy also said the Tisza Party’s voter base is heterogeneous, including liberal left-wing voters, national radicals, greens, and social democrats, and he expects it will not be possible to keep it fully united.

Cover photo: Peter Magyar on election night (Photo: NurPhoto/AFP/Marek Antoni Ivanczuk)