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On Sunday, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán acknowledged his defeat in the parliamentary elections, describing the outcome as both “clear” and “painful.” Partial vote counts indicated a significant victory for opposition leader Péter Magyar.
According to a social media update, Magyar confirmed that Orbán called him to concede.
As about 53% of the votes were tallied, projections suggested that Magyar’s Tisza party was on course for a sweeping victory, potentially securing a two-thirds majority in parliament.
This result could signify a substantial political shift in Hungary, where Orbán has held leadership for over ten years.
Viktor Orbán arrives for an EU Summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 19, 2026. (Magali Cohen / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)
Orbán, a close ally of President Donald Trump, had received strong backing from the White House in the final days of the campaign.
President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orbán as he arrives at the White House on November 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)
Days before the election, Trump reiterated his support for Orbán in a post on Truth Social.
“My Administration stands ready to use the full economic might of the United States to strengthen Hungary’s Economy, as we have done for our great allies in the past, if Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian People ever need it,” Trump said. “We are excited to invest in the future prosperity that will be generated by Orbán’s continued leadership!”
Trailing in opinion polls ahead of the vote, Orbán faced his most serious electoral challenge since 2010, with surveys showing Magyar’s Tisza party holding a significant lead.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán speaks during a news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Alex Brandon, Pool/AP Photo)
Orbán, who has led Hungary for 16 years, has drawn scrutiny from the European Union over his positions on migration, Russia’s war against Ukraine and his government’s policies, while maintaining strong support among many rural and older voters.
His strained relationship with the European Union stems in part from his stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine, his firm support of Israel and his hardline position on migration, which has led to financial penalties from the bloc.
During Orbán’s time in power, Hungary’s economy has grown relatively quickly for an EU country, though inflation has remained elevated and business sentiment has been negative in recent years.
Before the vote, Orbán had expressed confidence in his campaign, calling it “a great national moment on our side” and telling reporters, “I’m here to win.”
Magyar, meanwhile, framed the election as a turning point for the country’s future, warning that Hungary’s direction in recent years had drifted from its Western alliances.
“I think this really will be a referendum on our country’s place in the world,” Magyar said.