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Germany eyes fresh start with Hungary as foreign minister makes first visit since Orban ouster

By Thomson Reuters Sep 14, 2026 | 1:54 AM

BERLIN, Sept 14 (Reuters) – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described ​his trip to ‌Budapest on Monday – the first by a German foreign minister in ‌nearly ​seven years – ⁠as a chance ⁠to rapidly restore relations in the wake of the ouster ​of former prime minister Viktor Orban.

There ⁠is much ⁠ground to make ​up, he said, but “the ​political change in Hungary ‌offers an opportunity to rapidly restore our relations to ⁠a foundation of mutual trust and reliability.”

Germany has hailed ⁠a ‌new start in ⁠relations under ​Hungarian ‌Prime Minister Peter ​Magyar, who ⁠took office this year following Orban’s 16-year rule.

(Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike ​Heine)