Get you up to speed: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in parliamentary elections to Peter Magyar
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conceded defeat in parliamentary elections to conservative Peter Magyar, who has promised “system change.” This election marks the end of Orbán’s 16 years in power.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán acknowledged his defeat in the parliamentary elections, stating, “I congratulated the victorious party.” In a Facebook update, Peter Magyar confirmed that Orbán reached out to his team to congratulate them on their victory.
Following Viktor Orbán’s concession of defeat in the parliamentary elections, he stated, “We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.” Peter Magyar of the TISZA party has promised “system change” in Hungary, with support from European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Ulf Kristersson, signalling a new chapter in the country’s governance.
Viktor Orban concedes election defeat ending 16 years of far-right rule in Hungary | News World
Viktor Orban concedes defeat in parliamentary elections to his rival, conservative Peter Magyar who promised ‘system change’ (Picture: AFP)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat after what he called a ‘painful’ election result.
The loss ends 16 years in power for the powerful figure in the far-right movement allied with Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
‘I congratulated the victorious party,’ Orbán told supporters in Budapest.
‘We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.’
Magyar says in a Facebook update that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called his team to congratulate them on their victory.
Orbán had turned Hungary into what he calls an ‘illiberal democracy’, declaring himself Europe’s defender of Christian values against the threat of ‘gender and LGBT ideology’ and multiculturalism.
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In 2022, he said, ‘We [Hungarians] are not a mixed race … and we do not want to become a mixed race’.
During his 16 years as prime minister, Orbán launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, erected razor wire on the southernborder and has been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.
His government redefined marriage as the union between one man and one woman in the constitution, and it has limited gay adoption and transgender rights.
Orbán also blocked a 90-billion-euro loan package from the EU to Kyiv to support Ukraine in its war against Russia’s invasion, held regular meetings with Vladimir Putin and refused to end Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.
He framed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a choice between war and peace, stating that Hungary will not send soldiers, money, or weapons to the conflict – a stance which helps Putin.
Polls closed in Hungary’s parliamentary election, with turnout reaching a record high (Picture: AFP)
Recent revelations have shown a top member of his government frequently shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russia’s behalf within the bloc.
Peter Magyar has promised Hungary regime change (Picture: AFP)
In 2024, Magyar broke away from Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party and became a whistleblower-style critic of the government, accusing it of corruption and abuse of power.
He prided his new party on being pro-European and more focused on domestic issues like cost-of-living and standards of healthcare.
‘Winter is coming’
Sir Keir Starmer said Magyar’s victory was an ‘historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.’
Emmanuel Macron also hails the victory of democracy and ‘for the Hungarian people’s attachment to the values of the European Union and for Hungary[’s place] in Europe.’
‘Together, let us advance a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy,’ he says.
In the US lawmakers from the Democratic Party welcomed Orbán’s defeat, saying allies of President Donald Trump in Congress are next.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulated Magyar on X: ‘Congratulations to Péter Magyar on TISZA’s historic victory in the Hungarian election!’he wrote.
‘I look forward to working closely with you – as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.’
Supporters of Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza party celebrate after a parliamentary election in Budapest (Picture: AP)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined in the chorus of congratulations to Magyar in an online post: ‘The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success,’ he wrote in a post on X.
‘I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.’
In Budapest chants of ‘Ruszkik, haza’ – Russians, go home! – fills the streets as young people celebrate on the banks of the Danube.
‘This dictatorship, it’s right-wing ideology, and all of that will disappear now, and we have a chance for a better country. I am so happy. I’m feeling hopeful and happy,’ Nori, 24, told the Guardian with tears of joy in her eyes.
‘I hope there will be a chance to have a country that is close to Europe, and we are going to get closer to the west and not going to fight imaginary enemies anymore; that the government will not build on fear but rather opportunities.’
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