Budapest, April 13 (SANA) Hungary’s parliamentary election has marked a major political shift, with the Tisza Party led by Peter Magyar securing a decisive victory over Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz, ending more than a decade of political dominance.
Orban conceded defeat after preliminary results, calling the outcome “clear and painful” and saying his party would move into opposition.
Strong majority, record turnout
Preliminary results showed Tisza winning about 138 seats in the 199-member parliament, compared with roughly 54 to 56 for Fidesz, while the Our Homeland party secured around eight seats.
The result gives Tisza a two-thirds constitutional majority, allowing it to pass major reforms without coalition support.
Voter turnout reached between 77.8% and 79%, according to official estimates, the highest in the country’s history.
“Hungary has won,” Magyar said, adding that voters had chosen between “two different political paths” for the country.
End of a 16-year political era
The outcome brings to a close a political period that began in 2010, during which Orban led successive governments and pursued policies emphasizing national sovereignty and a more assertive stance toward the European Union.
During the campaign, Orban framed the vote as a choice between “war and peace,” warning that an opposition victory could alter Hungary’s position on the war in Ukraine — a claim rejected by Magyar.
Tisza, by contrast, focused on anti-corruption measures, improving public services and resetting ties with the EU.
Rapid rise of Peter Magyar
Magyar, 45, has emerged as one of Hungary’s fastest-rising political figures, moving from roles within government circles to leading a major challenge to Fidesz.
Once associated with networks close to the ruling party, he later became a prominent critic, campaigning on institutional reform, transparency and stronger relations with European partners.
His party’s performance in the 2024 European Parliament elections, where it won about 29.6% of the vote, helped build momentum for the parliamentary race.
Economic pressures shape vote
The election took place against a backdrop of economic strain, including rising living costs and slowing growth, factors analysts say influenced voter sentiment.
The outcome could also ease Hungary’s position on a proposed €90 billion EU support package for Ukraine, which Budapest had previously opposed.
Implications for EU relations
European leaders quickly reacted to the result, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez congratulating Magyar, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signaled readiness to work with the new government.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of cooperation toward a “strong and secure Europe.”
International attention
The vote drew attention from global powers, including the United States and Russia, reflecting Hungary’s role in regional affairs.
US President Donald Trump had expressed support for Orban during the campaign, and Vice President J.D. Vance visited Budapest ahead of the vote.
Orban’s previous government maintained close ties with Moscow, making the outcome closely watched in Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to work with the incoming government to strengthen cooperation and support stability in Europe.
Foreign policy outlook
Tisza leaders have signaled a shift toward closer ties with the European Union and stronger cooperation within NATO, alongside a gradual reduction in reliance on Russian energy.
At the same time, the party has indicated it will maintain policies related to border protection and migration.
With a commanding parliamentary majority, attention now turns to the new government’s early moves, which are expected to shape Hungary’s domestic and foreign policy direction in the years ahead.
ABD
