Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Defeated After 16 Years in Power

Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been in power in Hungary for 16 years, has finally been defeated. As voters expressed dissatisfaction with authoritarian tendencies and far-right politics, choosing a new pro-European leadership, signs of a shift in the country's political direction have emerged.

Péter Magyar, a former ally of Orbán, has achieved a historic victory by advancing an agenda focused on anti-corruption, public service reform, and restoring relations with the European Union (EU) and NATO. In the preliminary vote count, his Tisza Party secured approximately 53 percent of the vote, while Orbán's Fidesz party was limited to 37 percent. Leading in 94 out of 106 constituencies, Magyar has emerged as the clear winner.

Accepting the defeat, Orbán called the result 'painful' and stated he would now serve the nation from the opposition. He was known as a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which had long made Hungary's foreign policy a subject of controversy.

Magyar's victory is expected to shift the balance of power within the EU. Orbán had previously been accused of repeatedly using his veto to block EU decisions and moving closer to Russia. His role, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine, had made European leaders uncomfortable.

Following the election results, an enthusiastic atmosphere has been observed in Budapest. Thousands of supporters gathered along the banks of the Danube River to celebrate the victory, with slogans and jubilation spreading through the city streets. "Today, truth has triumphed over lies," Magyar said while addressing his supporters, "We have understood our responsibility for our country."

With a voter turnout of approximately 80 percent, this election is considered one of the highest in Hungary's post-communist history. Analysts say this clearly demonstrates the public's desire for change.

During Orbán's tenure, he faced accusations of increasing pressure on media freedom, minority rights, and institutional structures. He had also consistently denied allegations that he provided benefits to business groups close to his administration.

Now, the question of whether Hungary will return to Europe under Magyar's leadership or maintain its previous divided political path has become significant. He had previously stated that this election was a 'choice between East or West'.