Elsewhere, Russia retaliates by expelling Hungarian diplomats; Poland changes rules of engagement for shooting down airborne threats; Slovak PM Fico juggles jobs and coalition; and Czech coalition survives no-confidence vote.

Maja T. wurde rechtskräftig wegen Gewalttaten in Budapest verurteilt. Weil die Auslieferung der non-binären Person nach Ungarn rechtswidrig war, wollen ihre Anwälte sie nach Deutschland überstellen lassen.

Elsewhere, Polish foreign minister confronts Russian counterpart at UN as tensions with Kremlin rise; Hungary allowed to re-enter EU’s Erasmus+ program; Slovakia succeeds in getting Russian billionaires removed from EU sanctions list.

Viktor Orban positioned Hungary as a bulwark of ‘Christian Identity’ in Europe. His successor hopes to implement liberal reforms without getting into a fight with Hungary’s churches.

Elsewhere, Poland and Russia trade threats after drone strike on Ukrainian train bound for Warsaw; Slovak Defence Minister under pressure to explain dealings with Czech arms tycoon; and Czech PM floats idea of creating ‘Euro Patriot’ joint missile defence program.

Time pressure and a change of government in Hungary could pave the way for the normalisation of relations with Croatia, but compromises will be needed on both sides.

Peter Magyar’s extension of the ‘State of Crisis Due to Mass Migration’ has upset human rights experts concerned about the misuse of emergency powers. But the decision likely has more to do with diplomatic trade-offs than practical pressures.

Nach dem Regierungswechsel in Budapest soll das deutsch-ungarische Verhältnis endlich wieder aufblühen. Doch die netten Worte bei Wadephuls Besuch können nicht verdecken, dass es weiterhin Differenzen gibt.

In Ungarn hat sich gezeigt, wie leicht eine autoritäre Regierung Bildung und Wissenschaft unter Kontrolle bekommen kann – und wie schwer es ist, die Schäden zu beheben.

Elsewhere, EU suspends subsidy payments to Czech PM’s business; Slovak PM pressures prosecutor general to resign; and Tusk ally elected to Poland’s constitutional court.

Elsewhere, Hungary indicates it might not be the kind of pliant partner the EU had hoped for; draft of Czechia’s 2027 budget met with criticism from all quarters; Slovakia defies Kremlin warning over signing Ukraine compensation convention.

Der ungarische Regierungschef hat in erstaunlichem Tempo rechtsstaatliche Reformen eingeleitet. Nun beansprucht er viele Milliarden an Brüsseler Fördergeldern – und noch einiges mehr.

Hungarians share stories about family breakdowns, painful personal experiences, career endings and loss of loved ones, in an oral history archive chronicling life under Fidesz.

Elsewhere, Slovakia foils arson plot against Ukrainian drone factory; Czech intelligence agency warns over Russia sabotage, China spying; and nominated head of Hungarian agency to recover stolen money plays down hopes of immediate results.

Länder wie Ungarn und Polen zeigen: Man kann Autoritäre wieder loswerden. Doch nach der Abwahl von Demokratiegefährdern wird es erst richtig anstrengend.

As a Brussels deadline looms with over €10bn at stake, Péter Magyar’s first three months have been transformative in addressing a corrupt legacy

Some elections are more important than others. Since taking office in May, Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, has embarked upon the country’s most far-reaching and dramatic programme of transformation since the fall of communism in 1989. Mr Magyar’s predecessor, Viktor Orbán, established a soft autocracy which thrived on corruption and, over 16 years, exerted its grip on most areas of Hungarian life, from religion to culture and the media. It is being dismantled at extraordinary pace.

Last week, a newly appointed president took office following the sacking of Tamás Sulyok, accused by Mr Magyar of having rubber-stamped the erosion of the rule of law in the country. In stark contrast, András Baka is a former president of Hungary’s supreme court, a role he was removed from by the Orbán regime in an action judged unlawful by the European court of human rights.

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© Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

Elsewhere, fugitive Polish ex-deputy minister traced to Transnistria; Fico and his economy minister row over how much Slovakia should pay for CEZ’s stake in JESS; and Czech ministers begin talks over 2027 budget allocations.

Elsewhere, Slovak Interior Ministry forced into embarrassing U-turn over speed cameras with suspected Russian links; Poland beefs up defence of critical infrastructure against Russian threats; and future of Orban’s summer camp in doubt.

Andras Baka will be sworn in August 19 and will remain in office until Hungary’s new constitution is adopted – a process that could take up to five years.

Es ist eine Wahl von hoher Symbolkraft: Unter der autoritären Vorgängerregierung war der Jurist András Baka entlassen worden. Nun soll er für einen rechtsstaatlichen Neuanfang stehen.