European leaders reacted on Monday to the defeat of Viktor Orban, who lost Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Hungary. Many hailed the result as a victory for democracy and for Europe.
Viktor Orban, who has ruled Hungary for 16 years as a self-described “thorn” in the EU’s side and a defender of “illiberal democracy”, conceded defeat to conservative Peter Magyar, who won a thumping majority in parliamentary elections.
Orban’s defeat, in a vote that saw a record turnout, dealt a heavy blow to nationalists, including US President Donald Trump who supported him.
It also deprives Russian President Vladimir Putin of his most sympathetic ear inside the European Union.
So how did Europe react?
European Union
“Hungary has chosen Europe,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission on X in English and Hungarian.
“Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.”
United Kingdom
“This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X.
France
“France welcomes this victory for democratic participation, for the Hungarian people’s commitment to the values of the European Union, and for Hungary in Europe,” President Emmanuel Macron posted on X after speaking with Magyar.
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French far-right National Rally party chief Jordan Bardella paid tribute to Orban, calling him a “great patriot”.
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said right-wing populism had suffered a “heavy defeat” in Hungary.
“I am looking forward to working with you,” he told Magyar on social media.
“Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.”
Sweden
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulated Magyar on social media platform X describing the win as an “historic victory”.
“I look forward to working closely with you – as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary,” Kristersson said.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar on this “clear electoral victory”, but also made a point of thanking her “friend Viktor Orban for intense collaboration” over the years.
Spain
“Today Europe wins and European values win,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X, congratulating Hungarian citizens on “historic elections”.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called it a “big night for Hungary and Europe” and congratulated Magyar on his “impressive victory” in a post on X.
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Croatia
“I look forward to further strengthening cooperation between Croatia and Hungary, both bilaterally and at the European level,” said Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic after a phone call with Magyar.
Estonia
Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal welcomed “a historic choice for a free and strong Hungary in a united Europe, rejecting forces that ignore their interests”.
Slovenia
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob hailed Magyar’s “victory over right-wing populism” in a post on X, praising Hungarians for choosing “integration over division and solidarity over sovereignty”.
Romania
Romanian President Nicusor Dan hailed Magyar’s “landmark victory” and said he looked forward to a new chapter in bilateral relations, “based on mutual respect, open dialogue, and our shared commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic values”.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Magyar on his “resounding victory” in a post on X, pledging to work with the country’s new leadership to promote “peace, security, and stability in Europe”.
“The people of Hungary have delivered a clear and resolute ‘no’ to any attempts at pulling their country back into Moscow’s orbit,” said Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Serbia
President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, who had endorsed Orban, congratulated Magyar, but said he was “grateful” to the outgoing prime minister.
Slovakia
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, a fellow Orban ally, congratulated Magyar on his win.
“I am ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian prime minister,” he posted on Facebook, while also expressing his “gratitude” to Orban.
Czech Republic
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, another Orban ally, also congratulated Magyar.
“Facing such a strong opponent as Viktor Orban was never easy, yet he earned the trust of the majority of Hungarians… He must not disappoint,” Babis posted on X.
He added: “The relationship between Hungary and Czech Republic is close, and I will always work constructively with whoever voters choose.”