By Blessing Nweke
Hungary’s long-serving prime minister Viktor Orbán has been swept from power after 16 years, following a dramatic election victory by opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza party.
Addressing jubilant समर्थers along the Danube in Budapest, the 45-year-old declared: “We did it… together we overthrew the Hungarian regime.” Preliminary results, with more than 98% of votes counted, show Tisza on course for 138 parliamentary seats—well above the two-thirds majority needed to enact sweeping reforms. Orbán’s Fidesz party trailed with 55 seats, while the far-right Our Homeland secured six.
The outcome marks a stunning collapse of a system critics had long described as an “electoral autocracy.” Orbán, who built his dominance through four successive election wins, conceded defeat, calling the result “clear and painful” and urging supporters to “heal our wounds.”
Turnout reached a record 79%, reflecting widespread public engagement after years of dissatisfaction over alleged corruption, cronyism, and democratic backsliding. For two years, Magyar toured towns and villages, building momentum among voters seeking political change.
Magyar has pledged to dismantle key pillars of the Orbán era, including reforms to the judiciary, education, and healthcare systems. He also vowed to eliminate the entrenched patronage network known as NER and restore media independence.
International reaction was swift, with European leaders welcoming the result. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised what he called a “glorious victory,” signaling renewed regional cooperation.
Despite the defeat, Orbán is expected to remain in a caretaker role until a new government is formed. The future of his Fidesz party, however, remains uncertain after its most significant electoral loss in decades.
Original article
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