Budapest: Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban, who is close to both US president Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, conceded defeat in the general elections in the country, bringing to an end a 16-year right-wing rule.
Orban admitted the result was clear, saying the responsibility to govern had not been given to his party. However, he insisted his movement would continue, declaring, “We are not giving up. Never, never, never.”
Peter Magyar, a former Orban ally and leader of the opposition Tisza Party, is now set to become prime minister once parliament is formed.
Magyar said that he had “liberated Hungary” and taken back the country, while speaking to supporters along the River Danube. Later, he called the victory a “miracle” and promised to restore democratic checks and balances and put the country “back on track”, as reported by News18.
“Today, the Hungarian people have said ‘yes’ to Europe,” Magyar (45), told supporters. There was jubilation along the streets as his supporters waves Hungarian flags and danced.
The election was widely seen as a battle between supporters and critics of libe
ral democracy. Orban, known for promoting “illiberal democracy”, had long drawn support from right-wing groups across Europe, the United States and Latin America.
US vice president J D Vance travelled to Budapest during the campaign to show support for Orban, while Russia also stood behind him.
The Tisza Party secured a two-third majority, winning 138 seats in the 199-member parliament with 53.6 per cent of the vote share. Orban’s Fidesz Party took 55 seats with 37.9 per cent. The voter turnout was high, indicating that people desired change.
Congratulatory messages poured in for Magyar from across Europe, with France and Germany urging him to work together for a “strong Europe”.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pledged to work with Magyar “for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe”.
“Hungary has chosen Europe,” head of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, posted on X.
Ahead of the vote, both Orban’s and Magyar’s camps had alleged foreign interference during the campaign.
Orban’s defeat is seen as a setback for nationalist leaders worldwide, including Trump. It also removes a key ally of Putin within the European Union.
Despite the massive mandate, Magyar will have his task cut out for him. He will need to manage institutions shaped by Orban, including courts and agencies filled with loyalists.
Magyar has promised to tackle corruption, improve public services and unite the country. He also stressed that the victory belongs to all Hungarians.