Viktor Orbán Concedes Defeat as Tisza Party Emerges Victorious in Hungary
BUDAPEST, Hungary — After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán acknowledged his defeat on Sunday. Péter Magyar’s center-right Tisza party is projected to win Hungary’s parliamentary elections, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.
With around 45% of the votes counted as of Sunday evening, the Hungarian National Elections Office indicates that Tisza is set to claim 135 out of 199 seats, securing a supermajority in parliament.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed supporters in Budapest, describing the election result as “clear” and “painful” for his party, Fidesz. He noted that his party would now assume the role of the opposition in Hungary, congratulating the victorious Tisza party, and confirming that he received congratulations from Magyar via social media.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Tisza’s decisive win, framing it as a step towards reinforcing Hungary’s alignment with Europe. In a post on X, she remarked that “the heart of Europe is beating tonight in Hungary,” emphasizing the nation’s recommitment to its European trajectory.
Magyar, a moderate conservative, has tapped into widespread dissatisfaction among Hungarians over rising living costs, corruption, and deteriorating public services, presenting the election as a “referendum” on Hungary’s global standing. After casting his vote, he remarked that the choice was essentially between “East and West, propaganda and honest public discourse, and corruption versus a clean political life.”
Orbán has maintained control over Hungary since 2010, winning four consecutive elections amid increasing restrictions on public institutions, the judiciary, and media. This has led many observers, including European Union lawmakers, to question whether Hungary remains a true democracy.
Mr. Orbán is viewed as a leading figure among far-right politicians in both the United States and Europe. Known for his close ties with figures such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, he has indicated involvement in shaping Trump’s policy strategies. Furthermore, right-wing group CPAC has been actively hosting events in Hungary since 2022.
In the days leading to the election, Vice President J.D. Vance visited Budapest in an effort to bolster Orbán’s declining popularity. Putin has also shown support for Orbán, who frequently diverges from mainstream EU leaders by opposing sanctions against Russia and advocating for friendlier relations, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Leading up to the vote, Orbán’s campaign heavily focused on the conflict in Ukraine, often criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In a controversial move, Orbán accused Ukraine of obstructing a crucial oil pipeline while Hungarian authorities took action against a shipment of funds from a Ukrainian bank.
As he spoke to reporters before the election, Orbán characterized the campaign as a “great national moment for us,” expressing a resolute intention to win. However, Magyar’s anticipated victory will signal the conclusion of Orbán’s long tenure, following a contentious election season marked by accusations of “false flag” operations and even rumors of a sex tape scandal.
