Hungary election results: Péter Magyar’s Tisza party secures landslide victory over Viktor Orbán
In a historic shift that reshapes the political landscape of Central Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat following a landslide victory by Péter Magyar’s Tisza party in Sunday’s general election.
With 98.13% of the votes counted, the Tisza party secured 53.62% of the vote, granting them a commanding 138-seat supermajority in the 199-seat Parliament. Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition plummeted to 37.79%, retaining only 55 seats.
A mandate for radical change
Addressing a sea of supporters in Budapest who illuminated the night with candles, Magyar walked to the stage as Frank Sinatra’s "My Way" played—a choice symbolic of Hungary’s new direction.
"Hungary has won," Magyar proclaimed. "Together, we have replaced the Orbán system and liberated our country. We have reclaimed our nation." He emphasized that the record voter turnout provides an unprecedented mandate for reform.
Dismantling the illiberal state
Armed with a two-thirds majority, Magyar demanded an immediate transition. He issued an ultimatum to President Tamás Sulyok to designate him as Prime Minister and subsequently resign.
Magyar’s platform hinges on the immediate "de-capturing" of state institutions. He called for the resignation of the Prosecutor General and the heads of the Supreme Court and media authorities.
"We will restore the system of checks and balances," Magyar stated. "Hungary will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and return as a reliable ally within the EU and NATO."
Orbán moves to opposition
For Viktor Orbán, who has governed Hungary since 2010, the result marks a forced transition to the opposition benches. Orbán confirmed he had called Magyar to congratulate him, acknowledging the clarity of the defeat.
"The result is painful but clear," Orbán told his remaining 2.5 million voters. "We no longer bear the burden of governing, and we must now focus on rebuilding our communities. We never give up."
International recognition
European and NATO leaders reacted swiftly to the news, signaling a potential end to years of diplomatic friction with Budapest.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Magyar, expressing his readiness to work toward a "strong and united Europe." Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the "constructive approach" of the new leadership, signaling a reset in bilateral relations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that "Hungary has chosen Europe," marking a pivotal moment for the Union's internal stability.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
