Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar has launched an ambitious reform initiative called „Operation Cleansing Fire,” aimed at dismantling the political and economic system built by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban over 16 years. In a parliamentary speech, Magyar announced plans to introduce a new constitution, establish an anti-corruption office, purge state institutions, and remove President Tamas Sulyok. He described the effort as freeing Hungary from the „captivity of the political and economic mafia” that had ruled the country, accusing Orban’s Fidesz party of systemic corruption, aligning Hungary with Russia, and creating discord within the European Union.
The reform drive is partly driven by a deal with the European Union to unlock €16.4 billion ($19 billion) in frozen funds, contingent on rule of law improvements. Key measures include removing President Sulyok, who was appointed by Orban, through a constitutional amendment. Although the presidency has limited formal powers, it can delay legislation. Magyar also proposed a constitutional review with public discussions and a referendum, an age limit of 70 for Constitutional Court judges to force Orban ally Peter Polt’s retirement, and a 12-year term limit for lawmakers.
Magyar vowed to staff the new anti-corruption agency with top-tier professionals, citing corruption’s cost to Hungary—8 to 10% of GDP in recent years. Earlier this month, parliament passed a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministerial terms to eight years, preventing Orban’s return, and abolished the Sovereignty Protection Office, which had been used to investigate Orban’s critics. Human Rights Watch had recommended these steps to meet EU rule of law milestones, including judicial independence and anti-corruption safeguards. Fidesz lawmakers criticized Magyar’s speech, with Gergely Gulyas calling it „slanderous and appalling.”
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