Hungary: Trump ally Viktor Orbán concedes election defeat

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded election defeat after 16 years in power, with the opposition on course for a landslide win. Péter Magyar is set to be the country’s new prime minister, with two-thirds of the votes counted, as his party is set to win a massive majority in parliament. “Prime Minister Viktor Orban […]

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded election defeat after 16 years in power, with the opposition on course for a landslide win.

Péter Magyar is set to be the country’s new prime minister, with two-thirds of the votes counted, as his party is set to win a massive majority in parliament.

“Prime Minister Viktor Orban just called to congratulate us on our victory,” Magyar posted on social media, as Magyar’s Tisza party stood at 52.49 per cent and Fidesz 38.83 per cent with 53.45 per cent of precincts counted.

Record numbers turned out for an election which was seen as pivotal to the future of Hungary and Europe.
Orbán’s defeat will come as a blow to his close allies, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Magyar, a former Orbán ally who became his fiercest critic, has promised closer ties to the EU and an anti-corruption agenda.

Meanwhile, the head of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, on Sunday welcomed the defeat of Orban in legislative elections.

“Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight,” she posted on X, in English and in Hungarian.

“Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary,” she added. “A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.”

Also, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Magyar on his election win. “I’ve just spoken with Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary!” Macron posted on X, first in French and then in Hungarian.

“France hails a victory for democratic turnout, the Hungarian people’s attachment to European Union values, and for Hungary in Europe. Together, we will make Europe more sovereign, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness and our democracy,” he added.

Orban – a nationalist and self-described “thorn” in the EU’s side – was at constant loggerheads with most other members of the bloc, particularly over foreign policy issues, but also on rule-of-law.