The End of Viktor Orbán’s Rule Becomes a Fact
For the last 16 years Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party ruled the state unchallenged, and it seemed that this one-party system could not be defeated.
The monopoly of power was broken, because after counting already 99% of the votes from the April 12 election, it turns out that the Tisza party secured an astonishing 138 mandates, leaving Fidesz with only 54 mandates.
Peter Magyar, a 45‑year‑old politician who has risen to an opposition star in recent years, spoke to euphoric crowds against the backdrop of a lit parliament.
We have dismantled Orbán’s system. We will free Hungary and reclaim our country – he said.
Orbán, for the first time in many years, admitted defeat, calling the result “sorrowful.”
Magyar, in turn, managed to achieve something that no coalition had previously succeeded in, winning over voters from small towns and villages, the main stronghold of Fidesz.
Promises of ending corruption and fixing public services worked.
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European and Global Leaders Comment on Hungarian Elections
Congratulations for the new Hungarian Prime Minister come from both Europe and the Atlantic
Before 10:00 p.m. on April 12, when only partial results were known (but indicating a win for Magyar), a congratulatory post on X was published by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“I just spoke with Péter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary! France welcomes the democratic participation victory with pleasure, the attachment of the Hungarian nation to EU values and Hungary’s commitment to Europe,” he said.
“Let’s move forward together toward a more sovereign Europe, for the safety of our continent, our competitiveness and our democracy,” he added.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that “Hungary chose Europe,” and also that “Europe has always leaned on Hungary.”
“The country is returning to its European path. The Union is becoming stronger,” she added.
Von der Leyen’s words are an obvious “pin in the nose” for Orbán, who in recent years effectively blocked many EU decisions.
The victory of Magyar was also addressed by former U.S. President Barack Obama, who compared the Tisza and Magyar win to the Polish elections of 2023.
“Yesterday’s opposition victory in Hungary, just like the 2023 Polish elections, represents a victory for democracy not only in Europe, but worldwide. Above all, it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian nation – and a reminder for all of us to continually strive for justice, equality and the rule of law,” he said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed appreciation for Magyar and expressed a willingness to cooperate with Hungary.
“Ukraine has always sought to maintain good-neighbor relations with all European countries and we are ready to deepen our cooperation with Hungary,” he said.
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The End of Orbán as the Beginning of a Geopolitical Domino?
The change of power in Hungary after 16 years matters not only for domestic politics. The Sunday voting results are a big blow for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. President repeatedly painted Orbán as his main ally in Europe, even sending J.D. Vance to Budapest a few days ago to support the Fidesz campaign.
Putin, meanwhile, loses his most important “brake” inside the EU, which regularly blocked aid for Ukraine and weakened sanctions against Moscow. It is worth noting that Magyar announced that his first foreign visit will be to Poland.
Significant concerns must be held by Zbigniew Ziobro, who received political asylum in Hungary from Orbán’s government.
During the campaign, Magyar said that after his win he would immediately send Orbán and Ziobro straight to Moscow or Minsk.
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