Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban faced a significant defeat, causing ripples worldwide as Donald Trump loses a key European ally. Hungarians expressed a desire to end Orban’s 16-year tenure, choosing to give Tisza party leader Peter Magyar a resounding victory. Orban’s leadership was marked by a shift away from the European Union towards alliances with Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
In the face of an impending defeat, Orban conceded, acknowledging the situation and congratulating the winner. The loss appeared to unsettle Moscow, with Kirill Dmitriev suggesting that Hungary’s election outcome could hasten the EU’s collapse.
Orban’s defeat is a blow to the Trump administration, which had supported his campaign efforts. Various political figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, commented on the implications of Orban’s loss.
World leaders welcomed Magyar’s victory as a chance to reset Hungary’s relations with Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended congratulations and expressed hopes for cooperation. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed Hungary’s return to the European path.
Orban’s leadership style, known for its anti-immigration and family-centric policies, garnered praise from conservative circles in the US. Despite his anti-immigrant stance, Orban permitted Indian workers into Hungary for certain sectors. His efforts to boost the population through family policies fell short of the replacement level, trailing behind Romania.
The election results indicate that Magyar is likely to secure a supermajority, with a record-high voter turnout observed in Hungarian elections.
