Magyar says whether he plans to call Putin
Photo: Peter Magyar (Getty Images)
Magyar also said that in the event of a possible conversation with the Russian leader, he would tell him to stop the war in Ukraine.
"I think Putin will not listen to my advice, but I hope he will be forced to end this war," the leader of the Tisza Party said.
He added that, like many European countries, Hungary would maintain pragmatic relations with Russia because geography cannot be changed.
Magyar also commented on whether a phone call with US President Donald Trump is possible.
"I don’t think it works in a way that I would call him," he said, adding that he would speak with the US leader if Trump called him.
Magyar noted that if Trump called, he would invite him to the commemoration of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution in October.
Magyar said he is ready to sit down for negotiations with Putin, but added that they will never become friends.
Among the reasons for this decision, the leader of Tisza cited the geographical position of the countries, as well as the fact that dependence on Russian energy will persist for some time. He stressed that diversification should be strengthened, but "it will not happen overnight."
Magyar’s victory
The Tisza Party won a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections on April 12, securing 138 out of 199 seats. Voter turnout was nearly 80%, a record for Hungary since the collapse of the socialist bloc.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán acknowledged defeat. His support was not enough despite open backing from both the White House and the Kremlin.
In his first address after the victory, Magyar called for the resignation of President Tamás Sulyok and all Orbán-appointed officials in key positions.
