April 13,LNW (Colombo): Peter Magyar is poised to become Hungary’s next prime minister after his Tisza party secured a sweeping two-thirds majority in a parliamentary election, unseating the Fidesz party led by longtime leader Viktor Orbán.
With 97.35% of precincts counted from Sunday’s vote, Magyar’s centre-right party won 138 of the 199 seats, earning 53.6% of the vote. Orbán’s nationalist Fidesz party trailed with 55 seats and 37.8%, according to official results.
Magyar vowed to bring the country together, calling the high turnout – nearly 80% – a powerful sign of public support. “Tonight, truth prevailed over lies,” he told his supporters.
Acknowledging defeat, Orbán – who has governed Hungary for 16 years – said the outcome was “painful for us, but clear.”
Estonia
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Hungarians had made a “historic choice for a free and strong Hungary in a united Europe, rejecting forces that ignore their interests”.
“Congratulations to Peter Magyar on winning the election! I look forward to working together on what unites Estonia, Hungary and Europe,” Michal said.
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed Magyar’s victory, saying, “Hungary has chosen Europe.”
“A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger. Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together we are stronger,” von der Leyen said on X.
Finland
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Hungarians “demonstrated their strong will to be an active member of European Union and NATO.
France
President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke to Magyar to congratulate him on his victory.
“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,” he wrote on X.
Germany
Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Magyar on his victory and said, “The Hungarian people have decided.”
“I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe,” he wrote on X.
Lithuania
President Gitanas Nauseda called the result a “Big win for Hungary! Big win for Europe!”
“Congratulations to @magyarpeterMP. There are a lot of things we could and should do for the sake of democracy, justice and peace,” Nauseda wrote on X.
Norway
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Magyar’s success was of “great importance” to Europe.
“I look forward to close and constructive cooperation in pursuing peace and stability, democracy and the rule of law on our continent,” he said.
Poland
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also welcomed Magyar’s victory, with a dig at Orban’s relations with Russia.
“Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!” he posted on X, adding in Hungarian: “Russians, go home!”
Ukraine
In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are 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.”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Magyar’s win was “an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy”.
He added he was looking forward to working with him “for the security and prosperity” of both countries.
United States
There was no immediate comment from President Donald Trump, a Republican who backed Orban, but top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, the House of Representatives minority leader, said: “Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orban has lost the election. Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November. Winter is coming.”
The US is due to hold midterm elections in November that will decide control of the country’s Congress.