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The unexpected triumph of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party marks a significant political shift in Hungary. Almost miraculously, they forged a coalition that spans the political spectrum, from the far left to the hard right, in a determined effort to dismantle the Orbán regime.
In recent years, Viktor Orbán had become a thorn in the side of Europe, celebrated by the MAGA populist movement in the United States and serving as a strategic ally for the Kremlin. His controversial leadership style and policies have drawn considerable criticism from various quarters.
Europe celebrates
Before Péter Magyar even had the chance to deliver his victory speech to the enthusiastic crowd gathered by the Danube, congratulatory calls started pouring in. Emmanuel Macron of France, Friedrich Merz of Germany, and an especially jubilant Donald Tusk of Poland, who humorously remarked, “I am so happy, probably more happy than you!” were among the first to reach out.
Many European leaders, including those on the right, had grown weary of Orbán’s obstructive tactics and were alarmed by Hungary’s drift towards autocracy. Concerns over judicial independence and corruption led to the freezing of approximately €17 billion ($28.1 billion) in EU funds allocated to Budapest.
The newly elected prime minister, Magyar, has pledged to head to Brussels to unlock these crucial funds. However, his European counterparts are likely to seek tangible evidence that Hungary has reinstated a robust system of checks and balances before releasing the funds.
New hope for Ukraine
Orbán had made Volodymyr Zelenskyy enemy no.1 during the campaign. Posters featuring the Ukrainian leader’s face next to that of Magyar were everywhere, carrying a warning that should the opposition win, the war would come to Hungary.
The incoming prime minister agrees with his predecessor that arms should not be sent to Kyiv, but is expected to be far less confrontational in dealings with Kyiv.
It’s expected Magyar will lift the Hungarian veto on a €90 billion ($149.2 billion) loan for Ukraine that the EU had hoped to approve months ago.
Zelenskyy wrote: “We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as for the sake of Europe’s peace, security, and stability.”
MAGA-Fail
One of the strangest moments of the election came when JD Vance, the US vice president dispatched to Budapest by his boss to show support for Orbán, tried to call Donald Trump on speakerphone at a rally, but the call was put through to voicemail.
It summed up the bizarre, bungled and ultimately unhelpful American intervention in the campaign. Orbán had hoped his close relationship with the White House would convince voters he had the respect of the most powerful leader on the planet. Most voters didn’t care or saw it as more evidence their prime minister was siding with Washington over the rest of Europe.
The MAGA movement didn’t understand this election. This was not a battle of the left versus the right, pro-Trump versus anti-Trump.
When Hungarians cast their ballot, it’s doubtful any were thinking about Trump. Domestic issues were key. The economy, living standards and the rule of law.
The silence from the White House after the result became clear is telling. Trump doesn’t like a loser. Now, his closest ally in Europe is one.
Russian dismay
“I am at your service.”
That’s what Orbán reportedly told Vladimir Putin during a phone call in October last year, the transcript of which leaked in the final week of campaigning.
Then, another bombshell.
Allegations the Hungarian foreign minister had called the Kremlin during breaks at EU summits to provide information about confidential discussions regarding Ukraine.
Orbán said his relationship with Moscow allowed Hungary access to cheap Russian energy. That is true.
But former Hungarian foreign minister Géza Jeszensszky told me it came at the cost of his country’s sovereignty.
“I am not hesitant to say Hungary has become the satellite of Russia. This is voluntary, without any reason. To do so, that’s a crime that’s incomprehensible to explain.”
When the Kremlin eventually commented on Magyar’s win, the comments were brief.
“Hungarians have made their choice and we respect it,” said a spokesperson, who added “the election has nothing to do with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict”.
But Putin will know he’s lost a valuable and rare ally within the EU.
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