BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — In a symbolic gesture on Friday, Hungary’s newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar personally dismantled barriers that had blocked public access to a historic government building in Budapest previously used by his predecessor Viktor Orbán.
Magyar declared that the renowned Karmelita building, situated on Budapest’s famous Castle Hill with views of the Danube river, would remain open to the public while officials determine its future use.
The historic Catholic monastery had become emblematic of Orbán’s leadership style after he ordered it sealed off from public access in 2021.
“There is no place for cordons in Hungary after the change of regime,” Magyar declared to media representatives while ceremonially opening the barriers. He emphasized that these facilities were constructed “from the money of the Hungarian taxpayers and made so beautiful with those funds.”
In April elections, Magyar and his center-right Tisza party decisively defeated Orbán, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority that provides him substantial authority to implement significant reforms following his predecessor’s 16-year tenure.
Magyar has committed to rebuilding democratic institutions and governmental oversight mechanisms that deteriorated significantly under Orbán’s administration, while also addressing alleged corruption issues.
He has exposed lavish office renovations undertaken by previous government officials. Magyar has indicated he plans to relocate his own headquarters to the administrative district across the Danube river.
The Karmelita facility, he announced, will remain accessible for an “extensive period.” A website has already been established allowing visitors to schedule guided tours. Magyar noted that while some castle district buildings have undergone renovation, others remain under construction.
This development “is likely to generate a number of new ideas,” he stated without providing additional details.
The prime minister has pledged to rebuild his nation’s relationships with European Union allies and restore Hungary’s standing among Western democratic nations.
Magyar intends to establish a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, a new agency responsible for investigating and attempting to recover public funds allegedly misappropriated during Orbán’s time in office.
