BUDAPEST, Hungary — Following a devastating electoral defeat that terminated his decade-and-a-half grip on power, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Thursday that his Fidesz party must undergo thorough restructuring.
The shocking Sunday election results granted Orbán’s center-right challenger, Péter Magyar of the Tisza party, a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority. The magnitude of this defeat has sparked questions about whether Orbán might step down from his party leadership role, which he has maintained almost continuously since the early 1990s.
Speaking during a Thursday interview on a pro-Orbán YouTube program, the embattled leader acknowledged that “a political era has ended,” while indicating he plans to remain involved in rebuilding his party’s foundation.
“It is more than having to change one position or two. We are in a situation where, in its former form, the right-wing community cannot continue to exist. A complete renewal is required,” he said.
The election outcome represents a dramatic setback for Orbán, who maintains close relationships with both U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He acknowledged the defeat following what he described as a “painful” electoral outcome.
Magyar, once a loyal Orbán supporter who focused his campaign on anti-corruption measures and practical concerns including healthcare and transportation infrastructure, has committed to restoring Hungary’s damaged relationships with the European Union and NATO.
The incoming leader is pushing for a swift transition of authority. After meeting privately with Hungary’s president Wednesday, Magyar informed journalists that the new Parliament’s opening session, where his prime ministerial election appears likely, will probably occur on May 6 or 7.
During Thursday’s interview, Orbán described election night as an “emotional roller coaster,” revealing he experienced “pain and emptiness” following the loss.
“I too thought that we were going to win. There were so many of us everywhere,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Orbán emphasized that his party maintains significant support, noting that approximately 2.4 million Hungarians voted for Fidesz in the nation of 9.5 million residents.
“Let’s not act like the whole country rejected our government,” he said.
