Orbán, Hungary’s 16-year leader, adopted a solemn demeanor throughout the interview, expressing personal feelings of pain and emptiness following the election results. He has been focusing on his work as “occupational therapy” to manage the shock, admitting, “Even I thought we were going to win.”
Magyar has signaled a departure from Orbán’s nationalist-populist governance, promising to move the prime minister’s office from Budapest’s Carmelite Palace. Additionally, Orbán will not attend next week’s informal European Council meeting in Cyprus, highlighting the swift end of his lengthy rule, according to an EU official speaking to POLITICO.
In the interview, Orbán accepted responsibility for the defeat, declaring, “It’s me. I am the president of the party,” and taking full accountability for the outcome. He conceded that Fidesz failed to resonate with voters, acknowledging, “I have to admit that the opponent’s message was stronger,” alluding to Magyar’s commitment to change that includes tackling corruption and dismantling Orbán’s political apparatus.
Despite the loss, Orbán stated his intent to stay involved. He called for a “complete renewal” of Fidesz and the wider Hungarian right, involving a thorough overhaul of party leadership and parliamentary representation, with a party assembly scheduled for April 28.
“If my community tells me to keep to the back bench, I’ll do that,” Orbán said. “But if they tell me to take the team out to the field as a captain, I’ll be there too.”
Júlia Vadler contributed to this report.
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