Hungary looks to Poland as it comes back from the cold after election

Hungarian election winner Péter Magyar is eyeing a special relationship with Poland's prime minister Donald Tusk to draw on the neighbouring country's experience of repairing relations with the EU after years of illiberal rule.

- Jakub Krupa

Since 1989, the two countries have seemingly shared parallels in their paths. Now the two centre-right, pro-European leaders preside over the tricky task of improving state institutions after years of clashes with the EU in Brussels.

The leaders spoke on the election night, with a jubilant Tusk calling Magyar from South Korea: “I’m so happy. I think I am even happier than you, you know?”

Speaking to reporters, Tusk said: “First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chişinău, and now Budapest. This part of Europe is showing that we are not condemned to corrupt and authoritarian rule.” Visibly relieved, he added: “A weight has been lifted off my shoulders, because I was worried until the very end.”

Magyar swiftly repaid the compliments. He spoke about a “special relationship” with Poland.