EU Leaders Celebrate Historic Hungarian Election Result
European leaders have expressed widespread jubilation following the resounding victory of Péter Magyar in Hungary's parliamentary elections, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule. The election results, announced on 12 April, saw revellers in Budapest singing the Hungarian anthem while waving EU flags in celebration of what many are calling a historic shift in Hungarian politics.
International Reactions Pour In
Congratulations have flooded in from across the European Union and beyond, with leaders from Spain, Poland, France, Britain, Denmark, Romania, Sweden and numerous other nations hailing the election outcome as a new chapter for Hungary and Europe. The outpouring of support reflects deep frustration with Orbán's leadership across the EU's 27 member states and its institutions.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared on social media: "Today Europe wins and European values win." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote enthusiastically: "Hungary Poland Europe Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!" adding the phrase "Ruszkik haza," which translates to "Russians, go home."
End of an Era
Orbán's 16-year grip on power had tested the EU's system of governance designed to ensure peace through economic and political integration following the devastation of two world wars. The Hungarian leader frequently claimed to advance national interests over strategies forged in Brussels, repeatedly vetoing collective actions including support for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion.
Recently, Orbán's government outraged EU leaders and officials by admitting to providing a backchannel to Russia during summits. This admission further strained Hungary's relationship with European institutions.
Magyar's Victory Speech
In his victory speech delivered from the banks of the Danube in Budapest, Magyar declared: "All Hungarians know that this is a shared victory. Our homeland made up its mind. It wants to live again. It wants to be a European country."
During the election campaign, Magyar carefully avoided taking firm positions on several divisive issues, including Orbán's anti-LGBTQ+ policies and whether Hungary should extend more support to Ukraine. However, he told the Associated Press that if elected, he would repair Hungary's relationship with the European Union.
International Diplomacy Begins
Magyar reported receiving congratulatory calls on Sunday night from numerous international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, one of Orbán's closest international allies, congratulated Magyar on his election victory, stating that Slovakia was ready for intensive cooperation and that protecting energy interests remained a key goal.
European Unity Celebrated
Additional congratulations flowed in online from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and European Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Romanian President Nicușor Dan, and European Council President António Costa also posted well-wishes, as did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Starmer described the moment as "historic, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy." Macron welcomed "the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people's commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungary's commitment to Europe."
Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's readiness to work with Hungary, stating: "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."
Institutional Responses
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who like many EU officials had avoided taking a public position on the Hungarian election, posted on social media: "Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union grows stronger."
European People's Party President Manfred Weber, another frequent target of Orbán's criticism, declared: "Hungary is back at the heart of Europe."
Mixed Reactions from Orbán Allies
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar but also thanked Orbán for "intense collaboration for these years." Far-right French politician Jordan Bardella, seen as a nationally competitive figure in the 2027 French elections, praised Orbán's record on populist causes without mentioning Magyar.
Israeli opposition politician Yair Lapid, a descendant of Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust, also congratulated Magyar on his victory.
A New Chapter for Hungary
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob congratulated Magyar, stating that his "victory over rightwing populism is also a great victory for the EU and its future." Golob emphasized that "only a more united and more effective EU will be able to respond to the extremely serious challenges of the times ahead."
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson referenced both the EU and NATO in his congratulations: "I look forward to working closely with you – as allies and EU members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for unity, stating: "Let's join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe."
The election results mark a significant turning point in Hungarian politics and its relationship with the European Union, with leaders across the continent expressing hope for renewed cooperation and strengthened European unity.
