Hungary's Viktor Orban Concedes Defeat After 16 Years as Opposition Wins Supermajority

Orban conceded defeat after 16 years in power.

The opposition Tisza party secured a projected two-thirds majority.

African Manager

The election saw a record turnout of 77.8%.

Orban told supporters the result was painful but clear.

Magyar posted that Orban had called to congratulate them on their victory.

The opposition was on course to win 135 seats.

European leaders swiftly congratulated Magyar.

German Chancellor Merz tweeted congratulations.

Al Jazeera

Macron hailed a victory of democratic participation.

Von der Leyen declared Europe's heart is beating stronger in Hungary.

Magyar's victory would likely spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU.

Magyar campaigned on anti-corruption and restoring ties with the EU and NATO.

“Hungary’s longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in the country’s parliamentary election after partial official results showed Peter Magyar’s Tisza party in the lead”

Al Jazeera

He described Orban's image as sugar-coating.

The opposition was on course to dismantle key elements of Orbán's system.

Tisza had been polling between 55% and 57% support.

The extent of reforms will depend on securing a two-thirds majority.

Orban's rule was marked by a model of illiberal democracy.

Many Hungarians grew weary after economic stagnation.

AP News

Orban's government had blocked a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.

The Washington Post described Orban as a darling of MAGA-aligned American conservatives.