Overview:
Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat after 16 years in power, as challenger Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party surge toward a decisive parliamentary majority. The result signals a major political shift in Hungary, with potential ripple effects across the European Union and renewed support pathways for Ukraine.
In short:
(ABC-Australia) Centre-right Tisza Party leader Péter Magyar is on course to become Hungary’s new prime minister with a two-thirds majority.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat, ending 16 years in power for a figure in the far-right movement allied with US President Donald Trump.
What’s next?
Mr Magyar’s victory could spell an end to Hungary’s adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion euro ($150 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán — a powerful far-right figure allied with US President Donald Trump — has conceded defeat in the country’s election.
After 16 years in power, Mr Orbán said he would serve the country from opposition, with centre-right candidate Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party on course for a parliamentary super majority.
Results based on 46 per cent of votes counted showed the centre-right, pro-EU Tisza Party of Mr Magyar winning 135 seats — or a crucial two-thirds majority — in the 199-member parliament, ahead of Mr Orbán’s Fidesz Party.
“The election results are not final yet, but the situation is understandable and clear,” Mr Orbán said at the Fidesz campaign offices.
“The election result is painful for us, but clear.
“The responsibility and possibility of governing was not given to us. I have congratulated the winner.”
An end to Mr Orbán’s government holds significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond.
He was a powerful figure in the far-right movement allied with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
His loss will likely spell an end to Hungary’s adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion euro ($150 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine blocked by Mr Orbán.
Magyar pledges to rebuild alliances
As Mr Magyar addressed jubilant supporters chanting “Europe, Europe”, he pledged to make Hungary a strong EU and NATO ally and rebuild ties marred by years of conflict.
“With the two-thirds majority allowing us to amend the constitution, we will restore the system of checks and balances,” Mr Magyar said.
“We will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and guarantee the democratic functioning of our country. We will never again allow anyone to hold free Hungary captive or to abandon it.”
One fundamental plank of Mr Magyar’s plan to kick-start Hungary’s economy, which has been mired in near-stagnation for the past three years, was to unlock EU funds frozen as democratic standards eroded under Mr Orbán.
Mr Magyar rapidly rose to become Mr Orbán’s most serious challenger.
The 45-year-old campaigned on issues affecting ordinary voters, including Hungary’s faltering public health care and transportation sectors and what he describes as rampant government corruption.
A former insider within Mr Orbán’s Fidesz, Mr Magyar broke with the party in 2024 and quickly formed Tisza.
Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily.
Tisza won 30 per cent of the vote in European Parliament elections in 2024 and Mr Magyar took a seat as an EU MP.
Tisza is a member of the European People’s Party, the mainstream, centre-right political family with leaders governing 12 of the EU’s 27 nations.
Budapest’s famous Chain Bridge was illuminated in Hungary’s national colours and tens of thousands partied along the embankment by the Danube river, waving the national flag and European Union flags and some toasting with champagne in paper cups.
“We are so happy that Orbán is finally gone,” a group of young people shouted, hugging and jumping.
“So, finally, after at least 16 years, we feel like there is a hope. We feel like there is a hope that Hungary can start walking into the right direction,” one of them said.
Mr Orbán’s Fidesz party had the lowest support among the young generation.
European leaders welcome result
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed Mr Magyar’s victory as a move by the country towards Europe.
“Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight,” Ms von der Leyen said in a post on X.
“Hungary has chosen Europe. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
Mr Magyar was congratulated by European leaders, many of whom highlighted the significance of the win in upholding democracy in Europe.
“France welcomes what has been a victory in terms of people taking part in the democratic process, and a victory which shows the attachment of the Hungarian people to the values of the European Union and for Hungary’s role in Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the win was a “historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.”
“I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe. Gratulálok, kedves Magyar Péter!” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country was “ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary”.
“Europe and every European nation must get stronger, and millions of Europeans seek cooperation and stability. We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,” he said.
The voter turnout by 6:30pm, local time, was over 77 per cent, according to the National Election Office — a record number in any election in Hungary’s post-communist history.
ABC/wires