Péter Magyar has swept away Viktor Orbán's 16-year grip on power in Hungary. Magyar, a 45-year-old former party insider, secured an extraordinary victory, with preliminary results indicating his Tisza party will win 138 seats, significantly outnumbering Orbán's Fidesz party.
Magyar rallied Hungarians disillusioned with cronyism and corruption. "We did it. Together we overthrew the Hungarian regime," he declared to jubilant supporters. A record 79% of the electorate turned out to vote, signaling widespread demand for change. Orbán conceded defeat, stating, "The result of the election is clear and painful."
Magyar has pledged to reverse Orbán-era reforms, tackle corruption, restore judicial independence, and dismantle the patronage system known as NER. His party is on track for a two-thirds majority, enabling constitutional changes. He also aims to reform state media, which have been accused of partisan reporting.
The election marks a significant shift for Hungary, which under Orbán had become a close partner of Russia. Magyar's supporters chanted "Russians go home," and he has promised improved relations with the European Union. Orbán, while not resigning as party leader, will continue in a caretaker role as Fidesz assesses its future.