Viktor Orban, who governed Hungary for 16 years while positioning himself as a "thorn" in the European Union's side and championing "illiberal democracy", conceded defeat Sunday to conservative challenger Peter Magyar, who secured a commanding parliamentary majority in elections that drew record voter participation.
The outcome represents a significant setback for nationalist movements, including US President Donald Trump, who had backed Orban's re-election bid. It also removes Russian President Vladimir Putin's most sympathetic ally within the European Union. Thousands of jubilant Tisza party supporters gathered outside the party's election headquarters along the Danube in Budapest, waving Hungarian flags and celebrating as car horns echoed across the capital.
"I feel fantastic!" declared Zoltan Sziromi, a 20-year-old student in the crowd. "We've finally got rid of that system, and it was about time." Magyar, arriving at the celebration with the Hungarian flag in hand, told the cheering masses that voters had "liberated Hungary," describing his party's victory as a "miracle" in the central European nation of 9.5 million people.
"Today, the Hungarian people have said 'yes' to Europe," the 45-year-old former government insider and political newcomer proclaimed to supporters. He committed to "restore the system of checks and balances, guarantee the democratic functioning of our country" and put Hungary "back on track." Acknowledging the "enormous" challenge ahead, Magyar called for unity, emphasizing that the victory belongs to "all Hungarians."
With 98.15 percent of precincts counted, Tisza secured a two-thirds majority with 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament on 53.6 percent of the vote, according to official election results. Orban's Fidesz party took 55 seats on 37.9 percent of the vote. Earlier Sunday, the 62-year-old Orban conceded defeat.
"The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous," Orban told reporters. "We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party." Turnout reached a record 79.50 percent, according to the near-complete vote count.
Orban, seeking a fifth consecutive term, transformed his country into what he termed a model of "illiberal democracy," frequently clashing with Brussels over rule-of-law concerns and disagreeing with European partners on support for war-torn Ukraine.
Magyar emerged on the political scene just two years ago, campaigning on promises to combat corruption and deliver improved public services. He built support despite economic stagnation and an electoral system tilted in favor of Orban's Fidesz party.
Congratulations for Magyar arrived from across Europe, with France and Germany urging collaboration toward building a "strong Europe." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged to work with Magyar "for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe." "Hungary has chosen Europe," posted European Union head Ursula von der Leyen on X.
Before the vote, both Orban's and Magyar's campaigns had alleged foreign interference during the campaign. US Vice President JD Vance visited Hungary last week to rally with Orban, criticizing what he termed interference by Brussels "bureaucrats" in Hungarian affairs. Trump had promised to bring US "economic might" to Hungary if Orban's party secured victory.
Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, described Orban's defeat as a "major blow to those who have looked to Viktor Orban's corrupt model as a blueprint, including Donald Trump himself." "This is a resounding defeat for authoritarianism that echoes far beyond Hungary's borders," Tanden added.
Orban had centered his campaign on Ukraine, portraying the neighboring country fighting off Russian invasion as "hostile" to Hungary. He had also promised to continue his crackdown against "fake civil society organisations, bought journalists, judges (and) politicians." Fidesz supporters assembled for the results-watching event in Budapest appeared stunned by the outcome.
"I am a Fidesz supporter with all my heart," said Juliana Varga Szabo, a 58-year-old teacher, tears in her eyes, admitting she had perhaps been living in a "bubble." "Now that bubble is burst. I won't change my values. We'll just have to see what the future brings," she added.
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