Viktor Orbán’s crushing electoral defeat in Hungary is resonating globally.
During his 16-year tenure, Mr Orbán’s playbook of reshaping institutions, squeezing minority rights, and curbing media freedoms was emulated by admirers who saw him as a defender of national sovereignty against globalisation and migration.
To his detractors, he represented a threat to European democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Ultimately, Hungarian voters opted for change, decisively backing challenger Péter Magyar in Sunday’s election.
Mr Orbán’s administration was the Kremlin’s staunchest EU ally, frequently obstructing aid crucial for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
After Mr Magyar’s election win, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly reached out in hopes of support.
“It is important when constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary,” he posted on social media.
“We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,” Mr Zelensky said.
Orbán was especially and constantly critical of the EU, even though his country enjoys billions in funding from the bloc.
Within minutes of his concession speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a frequent target of Orbán’s pronouncements, posted on X: “Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.”
Europe’s biggest powers also jumped in.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy”.
“I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries,” he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz messaged Mr Magyar: “Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe. Gratulálok, kedves Magyar Péter!”
French President Emmanuel Macron said that “France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people’s commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungary’s commitment to Europe”.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is visiting Seoul, South Korea, posted on X Monday the flags of Hungary, his country and the European Union and said “Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!”
He later posted a short video clip apparently showing him speaking to Mr Magyar by phone while overlooking the Korean capital.
“Oh, I am so happy. I think I am happier than you, you know,” Mr Tusk said in English.
In his victory speech, Mr Magyar said that his first foreign stop would be to Poland, which has historically had longstanding, friendly ties to Hungary.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, an ally of Mr Orbán who is visiting Vietnam, posted a statement offering his congratulations and saying he is ready for “intensive cooperation” with Mr Magyar.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni thanked her “friend Viktor Orbán” for their collaboration. “I know that even from the opposition he will continue to serve his Nation.”
France’s far-right National Rally, which is jockeying to replace Mr Macron in the French presidency next year, supported Mr Orbán and tread cautiously after his defeat.
“This result, respectfully welcomed by Viktor Orbán, shows that the incessant accusations by European institutions in recent years against Hungarian democracy were unfounded,” posted the party’s president Jordan Bardella.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his part, offered his “heartiest congratulations” to Mr Magyar on X.
“I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation and to advance the vital India-EU Strategic Partnership for the shared prosperity and well-being of our peoples,” he wrote.
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