Marton Mellethei-Barna withdraws as Hungary's justice minister nominee
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · May 8
Marton Mellethei-Barna withdraws as Hungary's justice minister nominee
6 articles · Updated · DW (English) · May 8
The withdrawal came on Thursday, two days before prime minister-designate Peter Magyar and his cabinet are due to be sworn in by Hungary's new parliament.
Mellethei-Barna, Magyar's brother-in-law and former classmate, said on Facebook he was stepping aside after criticism to avoid casting any shadow on the promised "system change".
Magyar replaced him with Marta Gorog, dean of the University of Szeged's law faculty, as his incoming government prepares rule-of-law reforms after Tisza's April 12 election victory.
Can Hungary's new leader dismantle an illiberal state without using the same authoritarian tools his predecessor did?
Is Hungary's new pro-EU government a true ally for Ukraine, or just a new obstacle to its accession?
Hungary’s Justice Minister Nomination Crisis: Melléthei-Barna Withdrawal and Görög’s Reform Mandate
Overview
On May 7, 2026, Márton Melléthei-Barna withdrew as Hungary's Justice Minister nominee amid public uproar over nepotism, sparked by his marriage to Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar's sister and Hungary's deep sensitivity to favoritism. This controversy undermined the incoming Tisza party's promise of meritocracy and led to sharp political backlash. In response, Magyar quickly appointed Márta Görög on May 8, a respected legal scholar tasked with restoring judicial integrity and resolving Hungary's EU rule-of-law dispute to unlock vital funding. Görög's appointment aimed to stabilize the government transition, signal a break from past cronyism, and demonstrate commitment to transparent, professional governance amid ongoing challenges to reform entrenched networks.