Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has pledged that former North Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski would be expelled from Hungary if his party comes to power. The statement has reignited debate over asylum policies and political protection for fugitives in the country.
Péter Magyar, leader of the opposition party “Respect and Freedom” (Tisza), said Hungary should not function as a safe haven for individuals who are fleeing justice in their home countries. He argued that those convicted of crimes or subject to international arrest warrants must face legal proceedings rather than receive protection from state institutions.
Magyar specifically referenced the case of Nikola Gruevski as an example of what he described as the misuse of the asylum system for political purposes. He stated that any future government led by his party would prioritize the rule of law and ensure full cooperation with international legal institutions, including Interpol.
Nikola Gruevski, the former prime minister of North Macedonia, fled the country in November 2018 shortly before beginning a two-year prison sentence in the “Tanku” case, which involved the illegal procurement of a luxury Mercedes vehicle. His escape route reportedly passed through Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia before reaching Budapest, where he was granted political asylum in a rapid process.
The current Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has repeatedly refused extradition requests from North Macedonia, maintaining that Gruevski is the subject of political persecution. This stance has been a long-standing point of diplomatic tension between Budapest and Skopje.
Magyar has positioned himself as a challenger to Orbán’s administration, promising institutional reform and a return to strict legal standards. He emphasized that under a government led by Tisza, Hungary would not protect individuals wanted by foreign courts and would fully respect international judicial decisions.
The statement comes amid renewed scrutiny of Gruevski’s legal situation, as he remains convicted in multiple corruption-related cases in North Macedonia, where legal proceedings against him continue to draw regional attention.