Viktor Orbán, who spent 16 years as the far-right prime minister of Hungary, was voted out of power on April 12, conceding the parliamentary election to Péter Magyar, leader of the center-right Tisza Party. While the final vote count of the election has yet to be released, officials say the Tisza Party is set to win over 2/3 of the seats in Hungary’s parliament, granting them a supermajority that would facilitate legislation aimed at undoing Orbán’s work.
Prime Minister Orbán was a contentious figure in global politics throughout his time as leader, overseeing policies that stacked the Constitutional Court with allies and forced the retirement of various judges in an effort to consolidate power. In addition, his government consolidated hundreds of news outlets into the Central European Press and Media Foundation, an organization led by his supporters in a takeover of the free press. Perhaps most famous was Orban’s banning of all depictions of homosexuality and gender reassignment in schools and media accessible to minors.
The PM’s foreign policy was similarly controversial, often using Hungary’s veto power as a member of the European Union to block proposed aid packages for Ukraine that would assist its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion. This, along with Orban’s refusal to transition away from buying Russian oil, showcases his unofficial support for the Kremlin, putting him at odds with Hungary’s EU and NATO allies.
Orbán’s defeat was also a defeat for President Trump, who supported him in his reelection campaign and even sent Vice President JD Vance to a rally in Hungary to boost voter morale. Some point to the election in Hungary as a sign that global attitudes are shifting away from far-right conservatism.
Magyar’s pro-EU sentiments have given hope to European leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who stated that the election results were “a victory for fundamental freedoms,” according to Reuters. Magyar’s official ascension to power, set for May of this year, will no doubt have significant ramifications for Hungary, the EU, the war in Ukraine, and the world.
