Magyar told the press after delivering a speech at MTA’s 200th general assembly that consultations were already under way concerning the setting up of the new Ministry of Science and Technology, and a handover process is currently taking place at the relevant ministry.

The official part of this process can begin once the new government is formed, he added. He said that informal consultations had already taken place with representatives of the scientific community, research institutes, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), and that they have proposed solutions.

“It won’t be difficult to find a solution, since representatives of the academic community largely agree on what is right,” he said, adding that the profession’s position had been known previously but was ignored by the previous government.

Magyar expressed hope that the Erasmus program, if not in full, will at least be available to some extent in the new academic year beginning in September.

He explained that since the application deadlines have already passed, they will open applications to higher education students through supplementary admissions and special procedures.

In response to a question regarding allegations of “scandalous payments” by the national cultural fund NKA, Magyar said this was one of the issues that must be investigated. He called it unacceptable to spend even a single forint of scientific and cultural money for party-political purposes.

“The outgoing minister’s words did not reassure us that no crime has been committed here and no funds have been used unlawfully,” he said, adding that it will be the task of the incoming Tisza government to investigate the payments and, if necessary, file criminal complaints.

Responding to a question regarding alleged nepotism in connection with the nomination of his brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, as minister of justice, he said that nepotism involved the abuse of connections with friends or relatives, adding: “It is not the case here.”

He said Melléthei-Barna is a renowned lawyer who has been practicing law for more than two decades, and he was among the first to join the Tisza Movement and has represented the party as a lawyer during election proceedings.

“He’s a well-prepared, reliable lawyer who will be able to help restore the rule of law and democracy,” Magyar said, adding that their professional relationship predated their family ties.

He added that they would guarantee the avoidance of any conflict of interest.

Regarding the Budapest mayor’s announcement concerning the date of a joint celebration to mark the “end of the regime”, he thanked Gergely Karácsony for his willingness to compromise on the matter.

He said that on May 9, starting at 10 a.m., they are inviting the public to a celebration at Kossuth tér in front of Parliament to mark the inaugural session of the National Assembly, which will be broadcast live on screens.

Starting at 4 p.m., additional programs will be offered to visitors, and with the exception of the military parade, the event will be funded by the Tisza Party, he added.