In Hungary, a former Eastern Bloc country that has become one of the most important actors in the European Union (EU), an era has come to an end. The elections held in Hungary over the weekend, which ended "Orban's 16-year rule," were interpreted within the EU as a victory for European values. During his election campaign, Peter Magyar, who accused Viktor Orban of "blocking" all decisions in the EU and of "turning Hungary into the poorest and most corrupt country in the EU," promised to "return Hungary to the West," end its energy dependence on Russia, and argued that the election would be "a referendum between autocracy and European democracy."

Magyar's Tisza party secured a two-thirds majority in the 199-seat Hungarian Parliament with 138 deputies. According to unofficial figures, Orban's Fidesz party, which lost the election, fell from 135 to 54 deputies. The far-right "Movement for Our Fatherland" became the third largest party with 7 deputies. Peter Magyar, the winner of the Hungarian elections, said, "Together we saved Hungary." The prospective Prime Minister Magyar called for the resignation of the President, the Attorney General, the President of the Constitutional Court, and the head of the Media Supervisory Authority. "We are asking the government for..." Magyar, stating that he demands the resignation of all the puppets he has imposed, indicated that if they do not resign, these individuals can be removed from office with a two-thirds majority.

Magyar, noting that the Orban government left Hungary with a "ruined economy" and a "neglected health and education system," called on Orban, whose term is ending, to "refrain from making decisions that will affect the work of the new government." Viktor Orban, the leader of the nationalist party, came to power in Hungary in the 2010 elections. During his 16 years of absolute rule, Orban has been accused of weakening media freedoms, civil society activities, and judicial independence in Hungary. Orban has consistently clashed with the EU, particularly over the Ukraine war. A close friend of Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, Orban has consistently caused unease within the EU.

Magyar's historic victory in Hungary, winning the election with the promise of "shifting the country's course from Russia to Europe," pleased the EU. In his victory speech, Magyar stated, "Today, the Hungarian people said 'yes' to Europe, to a free Hungary." The results of the Hungarian elections have been announced. Following the announcement, European leaders issued congratulatory messages one after another…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for "joining forces for a strong and united Europe." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez congratulated the Hungarian people on the "historic election," stating, "Today, Europe and European values ​​have won." French President Emmanuel Macron issued a message saying, "We welcome this victory of democratic participation, the commitment of the Hungarian people to EU values, and a European Hungary." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented, "This is a historic moment, not only for Hungary but also for European democracy…" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, "We are ready to work together on projects that will benefit both nations and ensure peace, security, and stability in Europe." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "Hungary chose Europe." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also stated in her message, "Hungary's place is in the heart of Europe." She made the following assessment.

Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, congratulating Hungary's new leader Magyar on his "clear election victory," thanked Orban for "years of intensive cooperation." In Europe, the cradle of democracy, one of the most fundamental rules of democracy, "those who come to power through elections leave through elections," was once again proven true. Viktor Orban, who won the 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 elections, suffered a crushing defeat in the 2026 elections and handed over power to Magyar.