Hungary's incoming Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has appointed Marton Mellethei-Barna as Minister of Justice, a decision that has sparked criticism due to the family connection between them, as he is the brother of Magyar's wife.
The appointment has been particularly criticized by representatives of Fidesz, the party that has governed the country for 16 years and is expected to move into opposition after Magyar's victory in the April elections.
Faced with criticism, Magyar reacted on the social network X, where he published a video defending his decision. He stressed that the future Minister of Justice has a consolidated career at home and abroad, and has been involved in his political movement from the beginning.
"Regardless of the family connection, the decision was made on the basis of merit and transparency. He has contributed significantly to our political program and to system change," Magyar said.
He added that the fact that they are also related at a family level was a "particular dilemma", but he decided to move forward with the appointment, demanding full transparency in the new minister's work.
It was also announced that his sister, who has served as a judge, will be suspended from the judiciary due to concerns over conflict of interest.
Mellethei-Barna is a lawyer and close associate of Magyar, as well as one of the founders of the political movement that later became a party structure. He has held important legal roles within his political team.
