Peter Magyar’s govt plans to open communist-era secret files

Peter Magyar’s incoming government in Hungary has announced plans to open the country’s communist-era secret police archives, marking a major step toward greater historical transparency.

Balint Ruff, who is expected to head the prime minister’s office under Magyar, said that granting access to the long-sealed files will be a top priority. He described the move as an effort to allow historians to study the past freely, without political pressure or restrictions.

Hungary has never fully disclosed the names of individuals who collaborated with the communist-era secret police, unlike some of its regional neighbours such as Poland and the Czech Republic. While citizens can access their own records, broader access to files involving other people, including former informants and officials, has remained limited, with only occasional leaks reaching the public.

Ruff said the new administration would create a framework to ensure structured and independent research into the archives. He also indicated plans to set up an office focused on recovering funds lost to corruption and managing EU relations to help unlock frozen European Union funding.

Historian Krisztian Ungvary, who supports full disclosure, has previously warned that limited transparency leaves public figures vulnerable to blackmail due to hidden past connections.

Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party won this month’s parliamentary election by defeating veteran leader Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, campaigning on promises of closer ties with the European Union, economic revival, and institutional reforms. The new government is expected to take office on May 9.