02.05.2026 17:01
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, who is preparing to take the prime minister's seat by ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule in Hungary, has become the center of the first controversy before even taking office. Magyar's appointment of his brother-in-law to the Ministry of Justice has sparked debate in the country.
After his election victory in Hungary, Péter Magyar, preparing to form a government, placed himself at the center of the country's agenda with an appointment to his cabinet. The name he chose for the Ministry of Justice reignited public debates about nepotism due to a family connection.
HE APPOINTED HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW TO A CRITICAL POSITION
Magyar announced on the social media platform X that he had appointed Marton Melléthei-Barna to the position of Minister of Justice. It was noted that Melléthei-Barna is married to Magyar's sister, Anna Ilona Mellethei-Barna, and has been actively involved in the Tisza movement since its founding.
DEFENSE AGAINST CRITICISM
Acknowledging the criticism of the appointment, Magyar stated that the decision was not made lightly. Nevertheless, he emphasized his trust in Melléthei-Barna's legal expertise and experience in state administration, saying the choice was not personal but made in the search for the person who would best represent the country.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE OFFICE ON MAY 9
Magyar, who ended Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule in the April elections, announced the remaining members of his cabinet to the public. The new government is expected to officially take office on May 9.
CONTACTS WITH THE EU CONTINUE
Meanwhile, Magyar has accelerated his relations with the European Union. It was reported that Magyar met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to discuss funds for Ukraine and the new government's European policies.