Viktor Orbán chased by the ballot boxes in Hungary

Thousands of Hungarians were ecstatic on the banks of the Danube last night and the streets of Budapest were filled with celebrations marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s sixteen-year rule. The outgoing nationalist Prime Minister acknowledged his defeat in the evening, recognizing the clear victory of his opponent, Péter Magyar.

“We have liberated Hungary,” declared Péter Magyar, jubilant on a stage set up on the banks of the Danube, with the iconic Hungarian Parliament building in the background, amid the cheers of tens of thousands of people, some of whom set off fireworks. According to official counts from 98.15% of polling stations, Tisza wins 138 seats out of 199 with 53.56% of the votes, compared to 55 seats and 37.86% of the votes for Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. Voter turnout reached a record 79.50%.

“What will this election change for the country?” Answers come from our special correspondent in Budapest, Sébastien Baer: “Péter Magyar wants to normalize Hungary’s relationship with the European Union, whereas his predecessor used his veto to block sanctions against Russia and financial aid to Ukraine, with a 90 billion euro package still pending. At the very least, Budapest’s systematic obstruction should come to an end on this front. As a sign of relief from the European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen waited only fifteen minutes last night to congratulate Peter Magyar after Viktor Orban acknowledged his defeat. Magyar also aims to recover the 18 billion euros of promised EU funds to Hungary, blocked by Brussels due to rule of law violations.”

“But concerning the current burning issues, Hungarian politics should not change completely. Péter Magyar remains an ultra-conservative, who spent 14 years in Viktor Orbán’s inner circle. Like him, the future Prime Minister advocates a tough line on immigration and maintains strict border controls. He opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine and rejects any accelerated accession process for the country to join the European Union. With Péter Magyar in power, it is more appropriate to speak of an evolution from the Orban regime, rather than a real rupture.”

Several European leaders congratulated Péter Magyar, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who added in Hungarian: “Russians, go home,” referring to Viktor Orbán’s friendships with Vladimir Putin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed delight that “Hungary has chosen Europe.”

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