Péter Magyar has won Hungary’s election, ending 16 years of rule by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Trump-backed leader who conceded defeat after early results showed his party trailing.
Orbán called the result “painful but unambiguous.”
“We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern,” he said. “I congratulated the winning party.”
Magyar’s Tisza party secured a strong lead as votes were counted, marking a major political shift in Hungary.
Supporters gathered in Budapest along the Danube River to celebrate.
“Thank you, Hungary!” Magyar wrote on X, calling the victory a “miracle” and saying voters had “liberated Hungary.” He also urged calm and unity after the election.
Turnout was very high, close to 80%, one of the strongest in Hungary’s post-communist history.
ALSO READ: Trump calls Pope Leo ‘terrible for foreign policy’ after peace appeal
The result ends Orbán’s long tenure, defined by his “illiberal democracy” model, repeated clashes with the European Union, and close ties with Russia.
His government has faced ongoing criticism over democratic backsliding and corruption allegations, which he denies.
The election also drew strong international attention, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance visiting Budapest during the campaign in support of Orbán.
Donald Trump also publicly backed the Hungarian leader. In a Truth Social post ahead of the vote, he wrote: “My Administration stands ready to use the full Economic Might of the United States to strengthen Hungary’s Economy… if Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian People ever need it,” adding, “We are excited to invest in the future Prosperity that will be generated by Orbán’s continued Leadership!”
Despite that support, Hungarian voters delivered a decisive change, ushering in Péter Magyar as the country’s new political leader.