In a stunning electoral upset, Viktor Orban's Fidesz party was decisively defeated in Hungary's parliamentary election, marking a significant setback for populist movements worldwide and notably for figures like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, who had openly supported Orban. The opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, secured the largest two-thirds majority since the end of communist rule in 1989/90, achieving this with a record turnout of nearly 80%, thereby ending Orban's 16-year autocratic tenure.

As results became clear, Orban conceded defeat, stating his party would "serve our country from the opposition." Simultaneously, jubilant crowds, predominantly young people, flooded the streets of Budapest and other cities, celebrating the conclusion of Orban's rule. Independent online media outlets described the event as the "end of tyranny" and the "toppling of the Orban system," highlighting the profound societal shift.

In his victory speech, Peter Magyar pledged to restore checks and balances, reintegrate Hungary as a strong European partner within NATO and the EU, and called for the resignation of top civil servants. He extended an olive branch to Fidesz voters, asserting he would be "their prime minister too." Election analysts labeled the outcome the dawn of a "new era" and an opportunity to "demolish the Orban regime," citing years of governmental arrogance and power abuse as key factors in the defeat.

Orban's loss is attributed to his long-standing policies of corruption, media control, and judicial manipulation, compounded by controversial statements on Ukraine and close ties with the Russian leadership. Experts suggest that overt backing from Moscow and Washington ultimately backfired, alienating voters. This result raises questions about the future of right-wing populism in Europe, while many EU governments have congratulated Magyar, hoping for an end to vetoes and a return to normality within the bloc.

Source: www.dw.com