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The chancellor said Hungary could count on Germany’s help in its economic development.
The German chancellor again congratulated Magyar on his election victory, which he called a “deep historical turning point” in post-Cold War Hungarian history.
Merz said Magyar had received a clear mandate, and that “democracy and the rule of law are once again strong in Hungary”.
He expressed confidence that Magyar would be able to “bring Hungary back into the European fold”.
The chancellor also emphasised that Germany would support Hungary’s economic renewal.
“Here in Berlin, the doors are open to you. We want to help make this new beginning in Hungary a success. You can count on us, and personally on me,” he said.
Merz said Magyar’s election victory was “an inspiration for all of Europe” because it proved that “the pendulum can swing not only in the illiberal or even authoritarian direction but can also swing back, and indeed visibly towards the political centre.”
The German chancellor said Hungary has once again sent an encouraging message to Europe, similar to 1989. He said Budapest should again play an active role in strengthening European integration, economic growth, employment, competitiveness and defence.
Merz emphasised that Europe’s freedom and unity currently faced serious challenges, mainly due to Russia and the war in Ukraine.
“If Hungary once again stands clearly on the side of this Europe, it strengthens all of us; it serves the cause of freedom and peace,” he said.
Regarding Ukraine’s EU accession, the German chancellor said Berlin understood that Budapest first wanted to resolve bilateral issues related to the situation of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia, but this must not come at the expense of European support for Ukraine or obstruct the opening of the first accession chapter.
Merz emphasized that Germany and Hungary wanted to cooperate more closely in the future on strengthening EU competitiveness and its defence capabilities, as well as shaping the EU’s next multiannual financial framework.
The German chancellor finally said the Berlin meeting could mark a new beginning in relations between the two countries.
“Welcome to Berlin, and welcome to the restart of our relations, which had been very good for decades. We would like to take this up again now,” Merz said.
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