Peter Magyar, described as Hungary’s future prime minister, has taken a tougher stance toward Slovakia and made further political talks between the two countries conditional on meeting specific demands. After speaking with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, he stressed that Budapest expects guarantees regarding the protection of Hungarians living in Slovakia.

In his post, Peter Magyar stated that any political dialogue would be possible only if Bratislava repeals regulations which, in his view, could expose members of the Hungarian minority to prison sentences. He also demanded clear assurances that, in the future, no land belonging to ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia would be confiscated on the basis of the Beneš decrees and the principle of collective responsibility.

Magyar’s statement shows that the issue of the Hungarian minority is once again becoming one of the central topics in Slovak-Hungarian relations. The politician made it clear that, unless these disputes are resolved, he sees no basis for continuing political dialogue. This means that historical and ethnic issues may strongly affect cooperation between the two countries in the near future.

The Beneš decrees are of particular importance in this dispute. Adopted after the Second World War, they have long been a source of controversy among many Hungarians, who argue that their legal consequences still affect the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. Hungarians living there have for years called for fuller recognition of their rights and protection from the effects of these historical regulations.

Peter Magyar’s position may mark a new stage of tension between Budapest and Bratislava. Although his conversation with Robert Fico was meant to pave the way for further contacts, it ultimately showed that, for the Hungarian side, any possible agreement must be based on issues related to the security and legal status of its national minority in Slovakia.