BUDAPEST (AP) — Leaders across Europe are expressing jubilation following Péter Magyar’s unexpected electoral triumph in Hungary, celebrating not only what the dynamic candidate might accomplish as the nation’s incoming prime minister, but also the departure of Viktor Orbán, whose lengthy tenure many viewed as a serious challenge to continental stability and economic growth.
The widespread enthusiasm demonstrates how deeply frustrated the 27-member European Union and its governing bodies had become with Orbán’s leadership.
“Today Europe wins and European values win,” declared Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a social media post Sunday evening. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote enthusiastically online: “Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!”
Orbán’s decade-and-a-half control of Hungary had strained the EU’s governing framework designed to maintain stability through shared economic and political cooperation following the devastation of two world wars. Asserting his commitment to Hungarian sovereignty over policies developed in Brussels, Orbán repeatedly blocked unified measures including assistance for Ukraine after Russia launched its comprehensive military assault.
Most recently, the far-right politician’s administration angered EU leadership when it acknowledged serving as an unofficial communication channel with Russia during high-level meetings.
During a recent conversation with The Associated Press, Magyar indicated his intention to mend Hungary’s ties with the EU if victorious. Nevertheless, throughout his campaign he strategically avoided taking definitive stances on several controversial topics — including Orbán’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and whether Hungary should increase its Ukrainian aid. “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,” Magyar declared during his triumph address from Budapest’s Danube River waterfront.
Magyar revealed receiving phone calls Sunday evening — prior to his public victory announcement — from French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Social media congratulations poured in 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 shared their congratulatory messages for Magyar.
“This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy,” Starmer stated.
“France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people’s commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungary’s commitment to Europe,” Macron commented.
Merz declared, “Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.”
Kristersson mentioned both the EU and NATO in his congratulatory message to Magyar: “I look forward to working closely with you – as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.”
Slovenia’s liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob praised Magyar, describing his “victory over right-wing populism is also a great victory for the EU and its future.”
“Only a more united and more effective EU will be able to respond to the extremely serious challenges of the times ahead,” Golob stated.
Israeli opposition figure Yair Lapid, whose family includes Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivors, also offered congratulations to Magyar.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar while also expressing gratitude to Orbán for “intense collaboration for these years.”
Far-right French politician Jordan Bardella, considered a viable contender in France’s 2027 elections, commended Orbán’s populist achievements in a social media post without acknowledging Magyar.
Von der Leyen, who like many EU officials had maintained public neutrality regarding Hungary’s election, posted online that “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
Orbán had consistently attacked the Brussels-headquartered EU leadership and regularly obstructed her policy initiatives.
European People’s Party President Manfried Weber, another frequent target of Orbán’s criticism, announced on social media that “Hungary is back at the heart of Europe.”
German lawmaker Daniel Freund noted that “Hungarians are sending a signal to the world” — and cautioned that Orbán’s electoral defeat would impact populist movements globally.
“The icon of illiberal anti-European forces has now failed – brought down by a disastrous economy, corruption, and his own unfair electoral system,” Freund observed.
Ukraine offered congratulations to Magyar through its social media account, referencing significant waterways in both nations.
“The Dnipro and the Tisza flow through a shared home — Europe,” the message read.
