Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, to which the successful Tisza opposition party belongs, also expressed his delight at Orbán’s defeat. Orbán’s populist-nationalist Fidesz party exited the center-right EPP group in 2021 to join the far-right Patriots for Europe.
“Tonight is the victory of the people of Hungary!” Weber wrote. “They confirm that our centre-right, people-first politics win elections.”
“Substance. Solutions. Unity — not empty slogans and fears,” he added.
Orbán’s 16-year leadership concluded Sunday night with a sweeping victory for the center-right opposition, led by Magyar, who is projected to secure around two-thirds of the 199 seats in Budapest’s parliament.
Many political reactions to Orbán’s loss centered on what his defeat would signify for Europe, following years of him obstructing EU consensus on issues like aid for Ukraine, while challenging Brussels over stricter migration rules and nationalist policies.
“Hungary’s place is at the heart of Europe,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Magyar: “Together, let us advance a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy.”
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