Trump ally and right-wing populists in Europe, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in a closely watched general election, ending his 16-year rule and dealing a blow to nationalist
politics backed by US President Donald Trump.
In an early concession speech in Budapest, 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 set to take charge
The result clears the way for Peter Magyar, a former Orban ally and leader of the opposition Tisza Party, to become prime minister once parliament is formed.
Speaking to supporters along the River Danube, Magyar said voters had “liberated Hungary” and taken back the country. He later described the victory as a “miracle” and promised to restore democratic checks and balances and put the country “back on track”. “Today, the Hungarian people have said ‘yes’ to Europe,” the 45-year-old told supporters. He promised to “restore the system of checks and balances…, guarantee the democratic functioning of our country” and put Hungary “back on track”.
Thousands of jubilant supporters of Magyar’s Tisza party cheered the results outside the party’s election headquarters on the banks of the Danube in Budapest, waving Hungarian flags and dancing, as car horns sounded in the capital. “I feel fantastic!” Zoltan Sziromi, a 20-year-old student, celebrating in the crowd, told AFP. “We’ve finally got rid of that system, and it was about time.”
The election was widely seen as a battle between supporters and critics of liberal democracy. Orban, known for promoting “illiberal democracy”, had long drawn support from right-wing groups across Europe, the United States and Latin America.
The vote was closely followed by Washington and Moscow, both of which backed Orban. JD Vance travelled to Budapest during the campaign to show support, while Russia also stood behind him.
Results show clear shift
With over 98 per cent of votes counted, the Tisza Party secured a two-thirds majority, winning 138 seats in the 199-member parliament with 53.6 per cent of the vote. Orban’s Fidesz Party took 55 seats with 37.9 per cent.
Voter turnout reached a record level, reflecting the high stakes of the election. Large crowds gathered in Budapest to celebrate, waving flags and cheering the result.
Congratulations for Magyar poured in from around Europe, with France and Germany urging him to work together for 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,” 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.
Impact beyond Hungary
Orban’s defeat is seen as a setback for nationalist leaders worldwide, including Trump. It also removes a key ally of Vladimir Putin within the European Union.
European leaders welcomed the outcome, with support coming from France, Germany and Ursula von der Leyen, who said Hungary had chosen Europe. Volodymyr Zelensky also pledged cooperation with the new leadership.
Despite the scale of victory, Magyar faces major challenges. 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.
Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, said Oran’s defeat was 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 focused on making Ukraine the central topic of his campaign, portraying the neighbouring country, which is fighting off a Russian invasion, as “hostile” to Hungary.
During his time in power, Orban reshaped Hungary’s political system, strengthening his control over the judiciary, media and state institutions. He positioned himself as a leading voice of conservative and nationalist politics.
His defeat marks a major turning point not only for Hungary but also for the wider political landscape, with implications for Europe, Russia and global right-wing movements.
