Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been in power for 16 years in Hungary, suffered a defeat in the election on Sunday (April 12). The victory went to conservative politician Péter Magyar.
Orbán is a controversial figure in both Hungary and the European Union. Some in Europe have even called him a “thorn in the side” of the European Union.
He is known as a nationalist and an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahead of the election, Trump even openly expressed his support for Orbán.
In an election dubbed “Europe’s political earthquake,” voters ousted the leader who had been in power for 16 years and elected Peter Magyar, who promised to bring the country closer to the West.
Magyar’s victory marks the end of the Orban era, which has long been synonymous with conservative nationalism, controversial policies, and often-strained relations with the European Union.
With more than 90 percent of the votes counted, Magyar’s Tisza party holds a commanding lead with over 53 percent of the vote, leaving Orban’s Fidesz at around 37 percent.
A voter turnout nearing 80 percent reinforces the legitimacy of the results as a strong mandate for change from the public.
In addition, Orbán is also known as one of the European Union leaders who has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Realizing his defeat, Orbán conceded the election results on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Magyar’s victory was met with a massive celebration attended by hundreds of thousands of people in the capital, Budapest. The crowd waved Hungarian flags and danced all night to celebrate the victory.
In his first comments after the win, Magyar called his party’s victory a “miracle.” Addressing his supporters, he said this result had liberated Hungary.
“Today, the Hungarian people said ‘yes’ to Europe,” said Magyar.
He also promised to restore the system of checks and balances in Hungary, which he said had weakened under Orbán’s government.
“I guarantee that democracy will function in this country and will put Hungary back on track,” said Magyar.
Meanwhile, the election commission’s report indicates that 98.15 percent of the votes have been counted. Magyar’s party, Tisza, secured a majority of parliamentary seats.
Out of a total of 199 seats, Tisza won 138 seats, or about 53.6 percent.
Meanwhile, Orbán’s party, Fidesz, won 55 seats, or about 37.9 percent.
Orbán described the results as painful.
“The election results, although not yet final, are clear and easy to understand; for us, the results are painful but unambiguous,” said Orbán.
“We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulate the winning party,” he added.