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 within the far-right movement allied with Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
‘I congratulated the victorious party,’ Orbán told supporters in Budapest.
‘We’re 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 specter of ‘gender and LGBT ideology’ and multiculturalism.
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In 2022, he said, ‘We [Hungarians] should not a mixed race … and we are not looking for to turn into 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 cash into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.
His government redefined marriage because the union between one man and one woman within the structure, 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 finish Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.
He framed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a alternative between war and peace, stating that Hungary won’t send soldiers, money, or weapons to the conflict – a stance which helps Putin.
Recent revelations have shown a top member of his government regularly shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russia’s behalf throughout the bloc.
In 2024, Magyar broke away from Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party and have become a whistleblower-style critic of the federal government, accusing it of corruption and abuse of power.
He prided his latest 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 just 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, allow us to advance a more sovereign Europe, for the safety of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy,’ he says.
Within 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 within the Hungarian election!’he wrote.
‘I sit up for working closely with you – as Allies and EU Members. This marks a brand new chapter within the history of Hungary.’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined within the chorus of congratulations to Magyar in a web-based post: ‘The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations in your electoral success,’ he wrote in a post on X.
‘I’m looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a robust, secure and, above all, united Europe.’
In Budapest chants of ‘Ruszkik, haza’ – Russians, go home! – fills the streets as young people have a good time on the banks of the Danube.
‘This dictatorship, it’s right-wing ideology, and all of that can disappear now, and we’ve got a likelihood for a greater country. I’m so pleased. I’m feeling hopeful and pleased,’ Nori, 24, told the Guardian with tears of joy in her eyes.
‘I hope there will probably be a likelihood to have a rustic that’s near Europe, and we’re going to catch up with to the west and never going to fight imaginary enemies anymore; that the federal government won’t construct on fear but relatively opportunities.’
MORE: How sex tapes, fake assassination plots and JD Vance shaped Hungary’s election
MORE: How sex tapes and pretend assassination plots have shaped Hungary’s wild election