‘Hungary Has Chosen Europe’ as Voters End 16 Straight Years of Orbán’s Far-Right Rule
“Europe has always chosen Hungary,” said the head of the European Union. “Together, we are stronger.”
Jubilant Hungarians wave flags to celebrate the resounding Tisza win in parliamentary elections on April 12, 2026 in Budapest.
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Brett Wilkins
Apr 12, 2026
COMMON DREAMS
Far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative European lawmaker Peter Magyar in parliamentary elections that ended 16 years of increasingly authoritarian Christian nationalist rule amid overt interference from the Trump administration and alleged covert meddling by Russia.
“The election result is not final yet, but it is understandable and clear,” Orbán said. “The election result is painful for us, but clear. The responsibility and possibility of governing was not given to us. I have congratulated the winner.”
“We will serve our country and the Hungarian nation from the opposition,” he added.
Magyar, who leads the socially conservative but democratic Tisza Party, said on social media that “just now, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has congratulated me on our victory in a phone call.”
Tisza is projected to win 135 seats in the 199-seat Országgyűlés, or Parliament, with nearly half of all votes counted, according to the national election office. Orbán’s Fidesz party is projected to control 57 seats, based on results as of Sunday evening.
Magyar had promised that “step by step, brick by brick, we are taking back our homeland and building a new country, a sovereign, modern, European Hungary.”
Domestic and international critics have long accused Orbán of systematically eroding Hungary’s democratic institutions, tightening his grip over the country’s political system, and consolidating control over much of the media to strengthen Fidesz’s rule.
After serving a single term as prime minister from 1998-2002, Orbán was elected again in 2010 and served four consecutive terms, thanks to passage by Fidesz-led lawmakers of the so-called “Fundamental Law” and other illiberal measures.
Human rights deteriorated markedly during Orbán’s tenure, especially for LGBTQ+ people, migrants, women, and Roma. The European Union has withheld billions of dollars in funding in response.
EU leaders have condemned Orbán’s rule, calling his government a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy.” Orbán describes it as “illiberal democracy,” while touting its universal appeal to international conservatives, including US President Donald Trump.
European leaders also bristled at Orban’s warm personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although the Hungarian leader did condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and voted along with the rest of the 27-nation EU to impose economic sanctions on Moscow.
Russia is accused of trying to influence the outcome of the election in favor of Fidesz via a coordinated online disinformation campaign. At a massive election eve rally and concert in Budapest, thousands of attendees chanted in unison, “Russians go home!”
Trump and senior members of his administration had openly backed Orbán, with the president promising “to use the full economic might of the United States to strengthen Hungary’s economy” if the prime minister was reelected.
US Vice President JD Vance traveled to Budapest last week to campaign for Orbán. While decrying what he called “disgraceful” interference by the EU—of which Hungary is a member—Vance added that he wanted to “help as much as I can possibly help” to secure Orbán’s reelection.
Orbán has also accused Ukraine of election interference, although he has provided no evidence supporting his claim.
Responding to alleged foreign meddling, Magyar said on social media that “this is our country.”
“Hungarian history is not written in Washington, Moscow, or Brussels—it is written in Hungary’s streets and squares,” he insisted.
Numerous world leaders congratulated Magyar.
“Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media. “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success. I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that “France welcomes what has been a victory in terms of people taking part in the democratic process, and a victory which shows the attachment of the Hungarian people to the values of the European Union and for Hungary’s role in Europe.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson cheered “Tisza’s historic victory in the Hungarian election!”
“I look forward to working closely with you—as allies and EU Members,” Kristersson added. “This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.”
“Europe has always chosen Hungary,” said the head of the European Union. “Together, we are stronger.”
Jubilant Hungarians wave flags to celebrate the resounding Tisza win in parliamentary elections on April 12, 2026 in Budapest.
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Brett Wilkins
Apr 12, 2026
COMMON DREAMS
Far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative European lawmaker Peter Magyar in parliamentary elections that ended 16 years of increasingly authoritarian Christian nationalist rule amid overt interference from the Trump administration and alleged covert meddling by Russia.
“The election result is not final yet, but it is understandable and clear,” Orbán said. “The election result is painful for us, but clear. The responsibility and possibility of governing was not given to us. I have congratulated the winner.”
“We will serve our country and the Hungarian nation from the opposition,” he added.
Magyar, who leads the socially conservative but democratic Tisza Party, said on social media that “just now, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has congratulated me on our victory in a phone call.”
Tisza is projected to win 135 seats in the 199-seat Országgyűlés, or Parliament, with nearly half of all votes counted, according to the national election office. Orbán’s Fidesz party is projected to control 57 seats, based on results as of Sunday evening.
Magyar had promised that “step by step, brick by brick, we are taking back our homeland and building a new country, a sovereign, modern, European Hungary.”
Domestic and international critics have long accused Orbán of systematically eroding Hungary’s democratic institutions, tightening his grip over the country’s political system, and consolidating control over much of the media to strengthen Fidesz’s rule.
After serving a single term as prime minister from 1998-2002, Orbán was elected again in 2010 and served four consecutive terms, thanks to passage by Fidesz-led lawmakers of the so-called “Fundamental Law” and other illiberal measures.
Human rights deteriorated markedly during Orbán’s tenure, especially for LGBTQ+ people, migrants, women, and Roma. The European Union has withheld billions of dollars in funding in response.
EU leaders have condemned Orbán’s rule, calling his government a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy.” Orbán describes it as “illiberal democracy,” while touting its universal appeal to international conservatives, including US President Donald Trump.
European leaders also bristled at Orban’s warm personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although the Hungarian leader did condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and voted along with the rest of the 27-nation EU to impose economic sanctions on Moscow.
Russia is accused of trying to influence the outcome of the election in favor of Fidesz via a coordinated online disinformation campaign. At a massive election eve rally and concert in Budapest, thousands of attendees chanted in unison, “Russians go home!”
Trump and senior members of his administration had openly backed Orbán, with the president promising “to use the full economic might of the United States to strengthen Hungary’s economy” if the prime minister was reelected.
US Vice President JD Vance traveled to Budapest last week to campaign for Orbán. While decrying what he called “disgraceful” interference by the EU—of which Hungary is a member—Vance added that he wanted to “help as much as I can possibly help” to secure Orbán’s reelection.
Orbán has also accused Ukraine of election interference, although he has provided no evidence supporting his claim.
Responding to alleged foreign meddling, Magyar said on social media that “this is our country.”
“Hungarian history is not written in Washington, Moscow, or Brussels—it is written in Hungary’s streets and squares,” he insisted.
Numerous world leaders congratulated Magyar.
“Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media. “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success. I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that “France welcomes what has been a victory in terms of people taking part in the democratic process, and a victory which shows the attachment of the Hungarian people to the values of the European Union and for Hungary’s role in Europe.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson cheered “Tisza’s historic victory in the Hungarian election!”
“I look forward to working closely with you—as allies and EU Members,” Kristersson added. “This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.”
'Bye bye, Viktor!' Internet erupts as Trump-endorsed far-right leader loses election
Robert Davis
April 12, 2026
RAW STORY
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban votes during the Hungarian parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
The internet erupted on Sunday after a Trump-backed autocrat lost a high-stakes election.
Viktor Orbán, a strongman and staunch Russian ally who has led Hungary for the last 16 years, conceded defeat to opposition party leader Peter Magyar in the country's national election. Orbán has been a symbol of the rise of the far right across Europe as he sought to roll back the country's democratic reforms.
Orbán lost the election despite U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveling to the country to campaign for him. President Donald Trump also endorsed Orbán in multiple Truth Social posts.
Orbán described his loss as "painful," according to a report from the Associated Press.
Political analysts and observers reacted to the news on social media.
"Bye bye Viktor!" former Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger posted on X. "MAGA hero is gone."
"Voters in Hungary said no to a strong man. We can do it too," legal expert Joyce Vance posted on X.
"I’m incredibly obsessed with JD Vance sinking Victor Orban," political commentator Molly Jong-Fast posted on Bluesky.
"Off with you, you fascist Putin puppet," author Paul Kemp posted on Bluesky.
"The return of Trump has been dreadful news for hard-right politicians around the world, and now they're disrespecting him by accepting electoral defeat," Larry the Cat, who lives at the U.K. Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street, posted on X.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban votes during the Hungarian parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
The internet erupted on Sunday after a Trump-backed autocrat lost a high-stakes election.
Viktor Orbán, a strongman and staunch Russian ally who has led Hungary for the last 16 years, conceded defeat to opposition party leader Peter Magyar in the country's national election. Orbán has been a symbol of the rise of the far right across Europe as he sought to roll back the country's democratic reforms.
Orbán lost the election despite U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveling to the country to campaign for him. President Donald Trump also endorsed Orbán in multiple Truth Social posts.
Orbán described his loss as "painful," according to a report from the Associated Press.
Political analysts and observers reacted to the news on social media.
"Bye bye Viktor!" former Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger posted on X. "MAGA hero is gone."
"Voters in Hungary said no to a strong man. We can do it too," legal expert Joyce Vance posted on X.
"I’m incredibly obsessed with JD Vance sinking Victor Orban," political commentator Molly Jong-Fast posted on Bluesky.
"Off with you, you fascist Putin puppet," author Paul Kemp posted on Bluesky.
"The return of Trump has been dreadful news for hard-right politicians around the world, and now they're disrespecting him by accepting electoral defeat," Larry the Cat, who lives at the U.K. Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street, posted on X.
Trump-endorsed autocrat in Hungary concedes election loss after 16 years in power
Robert Davis
April 12, 2026
Robert Davis
April 12, 2026
RAW STORY
Viktor Orbán, the autocratic Hungarian president and staunch Russian ally, conceded defeat in the country's national election on Sunday, ending his 16-year reign in power, according to reports.
The Associated Press reported that with 60% of the vote counted, opposition leader Peter Magyar’s party held 52% of the vote compared to Orbán's 38% support. Orbán described the loss as "painful."
"It’s a major blow for Orbán, the European Union’s longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, who has traveled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right," the AP reported.
Trump endorsed Orbán in a Truth Social post on Friday, calling him " a truly strong and powerful leader." Trump added that the U.S. stood ready to "strengthen Hungary's economy," if Orbán won.
Viktor Orbán, the autocratic Hungarian president and staunch Russian ally, conceded defeat in the country's national election on Sunday, ending his 16-year reign in power, according to reports.
The Associated Press reported that with 60% of the vote counted, opposition leader Peter Magyar’s party held 52% of the vote compared to Orbán's 38% support. Orbán described the loss as "painful."
"It’s a major blow for Orbán, the European Union’s longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, who has traveled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right," the AP reported.
Trump endorsed Orbán in a Truth Social post on Friday, calling him " a truly strong and powerful leader." Trump added that the U.S. stood ready to "strengthen Hungary's economy," if Orbán won.
'The tears of MAGA will flow': Internet brutally mocks GOP fears over potential Orbán loss
Nicole Charky-Chami
April 11, 2026
RAW STORY
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as they take part in a charter announcement for Trump's Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
The internet was mocking MAGA followers over how they could respond to a potential loss for Hungary's authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, a far-right symbol.
Orbán has served four consecutive terms as prime minister in the Eastern European country since 2010 and MAGA was looking to the Sunday election as a signal of what could happen during midterms in the United States. Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump have also been vocal supporters, with Vance even heading to Hungary to stump for the prime minister and Trump making multiple endorsements of Orbán, who has been referred to as a dictator by outside observers.
People offered their predictions of what they think MAGA would do if Orbán is not elected again.
"The tears of MAGA will flow like a bitter ocean if their role model Orbán loses," Wajahat Ali, writer, political commentator and host of the "Democracy-ish" podcast wrote on X.
"The palpable desperation of this… shows you how much MAGA have staked on Orbán being their guy in Europe," commentator Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK and founder of Bylines Network and Scientists for EU, wrote on Bluesky.
"For Trump and Vance, Orbán must win, because there must only be one inevitable path of history, towards right-wing oligarchy and the end of democracy," Timothy Snyder, University of Toronto professor and modern European history expert, wrote on Bluesky.
"When Orbán loses, that exposes the weaknesses of MAGA: talk of peace but need for war; talk of prosperity but fleecing of the working classes; talk of the nation but dependence on an international oligarchical network," Snyder added.
"This. Viktor Orbán’s far-right extremist agenda is a model for MAGA. Trump and Vance are all-in on this election. If Orbán loses it would also be a political and ideological loss for the Trump regime and MAGA," Tom Joscelyn, Senior Fellow at Just Security, wrote on Bluesky.
"Why does Vance care whether Orban wins? Because if he loses, it will challenge the MAGA belief that history flows in only one direction," Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, wrote on Bluesky.
Nicole Charky-Chami
April 11, 2026
RAW STORY
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as they take part in a charter announcement for Trump's Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
The internet was mocking MAGA followers over how they could respond to a potential loss for Hungary's authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, a far-right symbol.
Orbán has served four consecutive terms as prime minister in the Eastern European country since 2010 and MAGA was looking to the Sunday election as a signal of what could happen during midterms in the United States. Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump have also been vocal supporters, with Vance even heading to Hungary to stump for the prime minister and Trump making multiple endorsements of Orbán, who has been referred to as a dictator by outside observers.
People offered their predictions of what they think MAGA would do if Orbán is not elected again.
"The tears of MAGA will flow like a bitter ocean if their role model Orbán loses," Wajahat Ali, writer, political commentator and host of the "Democracy-ish" podcast wrote on X.
"The palpable desperation of this… shows you how much MAGA have staked on Orbán being their guy in Europe," commentator Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK and founder of Bylines Network and Scientists for EU, wrote on Bluesky.
"For Trump and Vance, Orbán must win, because there must only be one inevitable path of history, towards right-wing oligarchy and the end of democracy," Timothy Snyder, University of Toronto professor and modern European history expert, wrote on Bluesky.
"When Orbán loses, that exposes the weaknesses of MAGA: talk of peace but need for war; talk of prosperity but fleecing of the working classes; talk of the nation but dependence on an international oligarchical network," Snyder added.
"This. Viktor Orbán’s far-right extremist agenda is a model for MAGA. Trump and Vance are all-in on this election. If Orbán loses it would also be a political and ideological loss for the Trump regime and MAGA," Tom Joscelyn, Senior Fellow at Just Security, wrote on Bluesky.
"Why does Vance care whether Orban wins? Because if he loses, it will challenge the MAGA belief that history flows in only one direction," Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, wrote on Bluesky.
'Dreadful news': MAGA dismayed after European ally's 'tragic' election loss
Robert Davis
April 12, 2026
RAW STORY
U.S. President Donald Trump attends UFC 327 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, U.S., April 11, 2026. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via REUTERS
Fans of President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement were dismayed on Sunday after one of their European allies suffered a stinging election defeat.
Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orbán conceded defeat to the opposition leader Péter Magyar on Sunday, ending his 16 years in power as Hungary's Prime Minister. Magyar's Tisza party is expected to take a supermajority in the country's legislature, and his victory was hailed as a relief to many across the U.S. and Europe.
However, fans of Trump's MAGA movement spun Orbán's defeat as a sign of Europe's continued decline. They shared their reactions on social media.
"Dreadful news for Hungary and the West," MAGA commentator Michael Knowles posted on X.
"Orban is out. A sad day for Western civilization," Paul Weston, a far-right British lawmaker, posted on X. "In 5 years' time, Budapest will look like every other ruined ex-European city. This makes our Ursula very happy of course."
"This is tragic," MAGA fan Wendy Patterson posted on X.
"The people fell for Magyer’s lies in a month or two people are going to be in an uproar," MAGA fan Tracie James posted on X.
"Hungary was nice while it lasted. Where do I go on vacations in Europe now without my date and my dog being at risk of being raped by a Moslem?" conservative strategist Joey Mannarino posted on X.
Robert Davis
April 12, 2026
RAW STORY
U.S. President Donald Trump attends UFC 327 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, U.S., April 11, 2026. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via REUTERS
Fans of President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement were dismayed on Sunday after one of their European allies suffered a stinging election defeat.
Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orbán conceded defeat to the opposition leader Péter Magyar on Sunday, ending his 16 years in power as Hungary's Prime Minister. Magyar's Tisza party is expected to take a supermajority in the country's legislature, and his victory was hailed as a relief to many across the U.S. and Europe.
However, fans of Trump's MAGA movement spun Orbán's defeat as a sign of Europe's continued decline. They shared their reactions on social media.
"Dreadful news for Hungary and the West," MAGA commentator Michael Knowles posted on X.
"Orban is out. A sad day for Western civilization," Paul Weston, a far-right British lawmaker, posted on X. "In 5 years' time, Budapest will look like every other ruined ex-European city. This makes our Ursula very happy of course."
"This is tragic," MAGA fan Wendy Patterson posted on X.
"The people fell for Magyer’s lies in a month or two people are going to be in an uproar," MAGA fan Tracie James posted on X.
"Hungary was nice while it lasted. Where do I go on vacations in Europe now without my date and my dog being at risk of being raped by a Moslem?" conservative strategist Joey Mannarino posted on X.
Ukraine loan, frozen funds: how could Orban’s ouster unblock EU?
ByAFP
April 13, 2026
Hungarian voters have ousted Viktor Orban after 16 years in power. Will his successor Peter Magyar make things easier for the EU? - Copyright AFP Ferenc ISZA
Max DELANY
After years of holdups and bitter horse trading, EU leaders breathed a resounding sigh of relief at Viktor Orban’s crushing defeat in Hungary’s elections.
From support for Ukraine to sanctions on Russia, the bete noire from Budapest repeatedly stalled some of the EU’s key initiatives.
Now, as his vanquisher Peter Magyar gears up to take power vowing to reset ties, the question is how quickly could these dossiers get unlocked?
Here are five areas to watch:
– 90 billion euros for Ukraine? –
Most pressing is a desperately needed 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine that Orban took hostage as he made opposition to helping Kyiv a key campaign plank.
Orban’s veto — which he tied to a row with Ukraine over a damaged pipeline pumping Russian oil — enraged his EU counterparts as it came after he gave his initial green light.
Conservative Magyar is no major cheerleader for Kyiv, but if Orban doesn’t budge in his remaining weeks in office then unblocking the loan could be an easy way for the newcomer to win over hearts and minds in Brussels.
It will also take two tango and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will have to play ball over the pipeline and soften his rhetoric as well.
“Sooner or later this has to resolve itself. Hopefully sooner,” said one EU diplomat, talking as others on condition of anonymity.
– Sanctions on Moscow –
In a similar vein, Magyar could also signal a shift in Budapest’s approach to Russia by backing a stalled package of sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine war.
Orban — who maintained good ties with Russia’s Vladimir Putin despite the invasion — was slammed by critics as acting like a trojan horse for the Kremlin inside EU summits.
Hungary repeatedly held up previous rounds of punishment on Moscow and, as the electioneering heated up, Orban threw a spanner in the fresh round of sanctions.
By changing tune, Magyar can showcase a switch from Budapest.
That would then leave Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico — the other most Moscow-friendly leader in the EU — as the only holdout.
– Ukraine’s EU membership?
A longer term test will be over Ukraine’s EU membership push.
Orban was an implacable opponent of Kyiv’s bid and to the chagrin of Brussels and Ukraine was vetoing any progress.
Now he is on his way out, Magyar could show willing by greenlighting the opening of so-called negotiating “clusters” that EU officials insist Kyiv has long been ready for.
But Magyar, who has vowed a referendum on Ukraine’s membership, is no pushover and there are still plenty of steps down the road for the push to be held up.
“We shouldn’t expect Hungary to become super pro-Ukraine membership all of a sudden,” said a second senior EU diplomat.
Also, other countries cautious about Kyiv joining had hidden behind Orban’s opposition. They may now have to come out of the shadows more.
“The end of Hungarian obstruction to Ukraine’s accession does not mean it will accelerate,” summed up Sebastien Maillard from the Jacques Delors think tank.
– Frozen funds for Hungary –
It’s not just a one-way street for Magyar: he will be desperate to show that his promise to reset ties with Brussels can bring fast benefits to Hungary and its flagging economy.
The EU has frozen some 18 billion euros in funds earmarked for Budapest over Orban’s democratic backsliding, tackling graft and the treatment of LGBTQ issues.
Magyar has until the end of August to start pushing through reforms to try to secure the 10 billion euros left over from Covid recovery funds, or lose them for good.
Brussels could be willing to move fast on EU funds as it did for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk after he took power a few years ago.
“It would give Magyar an enormous boost to say ‘look I’m coming back from Brussels with these funds,” said another EU diplomat.
– New mood? –
It may be a little harder to gauge, but EU officials will also be hoping for a more constructive atmosphere around the bloc’s top table.
While they’d learned to live with his grandstanding, Orban’s hardening stance towards the end — and proximity to Moscow — had seriously strained trust between leaders.
“I think everyone will welcome Magyar with renewed enthusiasm,” an EU official said.
That’s not saying that all will now be joy and harmony. EU leaders will still fight their corners tooth and nail, Magyar included.
“Magyar will want, as he did during the campaign, not to be caricatured as being a pawn of Brussels; do not expect him to say yes to everything,” said the second EU diplomat.
ByAFP
April 13, 2026
Hungarian voters have ousted Viktor Orban after 16 years in power. Will his successor Peter Magyar make things easier for the EU? - Copyright AFP Ferenc ISZA
Max DELANY
After years of holdups and bitter horse trading, EU leaders breathed a resounding sigh of relief at Viktor Orban’s crushing defeat in Hungary’s elections.
From support for Ukraine to sanctions on Russia, the bete noire from Budapest repeatedly stalled some of the EU’s key initiatives.
Now, as his vanquisher Peter Magyar gears up to take power vowing to reset ties, the question is how quickly could these dossiers get unlocked?
Here are five areas to watch:
– 90 billion euros for Ukraine? –
Most pressing is a desperately needed 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine that Orban took hostage as he made opposition to helping Kyiv a key campaign plank.
Orban’s veto — which he tied to a row with Ukraine over a damaged pipeline pumping Russian oil — enraged his EU counterparts as it came after he gave his initial green light.
Conservative Magyar is no major cheerleader for Kyiv, but if Orban doesn’t budge in his remaining weeks in office then unblocking the loan could be an easy way for the newcomer to win over hearts and minds in Brussels.
It will also take two tango and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will have to play ball over the pipeline and soften his rhetoric as well.
“Sooner or later this has to resolve itself. Hopefully sooner,” said one EU diplomat, talking as others on condition of anonymity.
– Sanctions on Moscow –
In a similar vein, Magyar could also signal a shift in Budapest’s approach to Russia by backing a stalled package of sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine war.
Orban — who maintained good ties with Russia’s Vladimir Putin despite the invasion — was slammed by critics as acting like a trojan horse for the Kremlin inside EU summits.
Hungary repeatedly held up previous rounds of punishment on Moscow and, as the electioneering heated up, Orban threw a spanner in the fresh round of sanctions.
By changing tune, Magyar can showcase a switch from Budapest.
That would then leave Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico — the other most Moscow-friendly leader in the EU — as the only holdout.
– Ukraine’s EU membership?
A longer term test will be over Ukraine’s EU membership push.
Orban was an implacable opponent of Kyiv’s bid and to the chagrin of Brussels and Ukraine was vetoing any progress.
Now he is on his way out, Magyar could show willing by greenlighting the opening of so-called negotiating “clusters” that EU officials insist Kyiv has long been ready for.
But Magyar, who has vowed a referendum on Ukraine’s membership, is no pushover and there are still plenty of steps down the road for the push to be held up.
“We shouldn’t expect Hungary to become super pro-Ukraine membership all of a sudden,” said a second senior EU diplomat.
Also, other countries cautious about Kyiv joining had hidden behind Orban’s opposition. They may now have to come out of the shadows more.
“The end of Hungarian obstruction to Ukraine’s accession does not mean it will accelerate,” summed up Sebastien Maillard from the Jacques Delors think tank.
– Frozen funds for Hungary –
It’s not just a one-way street for Magyar: he will be desperate to show that his promise to reset ties with Brussels can bring fast benefits to Hungary and its flagging economy.
The EU has frozen some 18 billion euros in funds earmarked for Budapest over Orban’s democratic backsliding, tackling graft and the treatment of LGBTQ issues.
Magyar has until the end of August to start pushing through reforms to try to secure the 10 billion euros left over from Covid recovery funds, or lose them for good.
Brussels could be willing to move fast on EU funds as it did for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk after he took power a few years ago.
“It would give Magyar an enormous boost to say ‘look I’m coming back from Brussels with these funds,” said another EU diplomat.
– New mood? –
It may be a little harder to gauge, but EU officials will also be hoping for a more constructive atmosphere around the bloc’s top table.
While they’d learned to live with his grandstanding, Orban’s hardening stance towards the end — and proximity to Moscow — had seriously strained trust between leaders.
“I think everyone will welcome Magyar with renewed enthusiasm,” an EU official said.
That’s not saying that all will now be joy and harmony. EU leaders will still fight their corners tooth and nail, Magyar included.
“Magyar will want, as he did during the campaign, not to be caricatured as being a pawn of Brussels; do not expect him to say yes to everything,” said the second EU diplomat.
No comments:
Post a Comment