Hungary opposition landslide ends Orbán era despite US backing

07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Hungary opposition landslide ends Orbán era despite US backing

US Vice President JD Vance’s high-profile visit to Budapest failed to boost Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who suffered a decisive electoral defeat to opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza party.

Magyar secured a commanding parliamentary majority, winning 138 of 199 seats with about 54 percent of the vote. Orbán’s Fidesz party fell to 55 seats. Voter turnout reached 78 percent, the highest level recorded in Hungary’s post-communist period.

The result ends Orbán’s 16-year hold on power and gives Magyar a two-thirds supermajority, allowing him to amend the constitution. Magyar, a former Orbán ally who broke with Fidesz in 2024, pledged to rebuild relations with the European Union and NATO, tackle corruption, and restore institutional checks and balances.

Vance visited Budapest days before the vote in what was officially described as a bilateral event. During a rally attended by more than 1,000 Orbán supporters, he openly urged voters to return Orbán to office. He praised the Hungarian leader as one of Europe’s few strong statesmen and accused the European Union of interfering in Hungary’s political process.

The event drew attention after Vance attempted to call former US President Donald Trump on speakerphone in front of the crowd. The first attempt went to voicemail before Trump briefly addressed attendees on a second call.

Despite this support, the election outcome suggested a backlash. Betting markets had already lowered the likelihood of an Orbán victory following Vance’s visit. Critics argued the public endorsement by a senior US official may have alienated voters.

Orbán conceded defeat within hours, calling the result clear despite its impact. In Washington, Vance described the loss as negative for US interests, citing Orbán’s stance against Brussels. He said the United States would engage with Hungary’s new leadership.

Magyar’s victory signals a major shift in Hungary’s domestic and foreign policy direction and could reshape its role within the European Union.