Magyar wins Hungary general election as Orban concedes after 16 years in power
European leaders hail result as victory for democracy; Canada also congratulates opposition leader
BUDAPEST, Hungary (MNTV) – Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party has won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, with leader Peter Magyar holding a commanding lead over far-right incumbent Viktor Orban from early in the count. With 81% of ballots counted, the Tisza Party was poised to take 68.84% of the vote and 137 seats, according to unofficial results from the National Election Office.
Orban, who has governed Hungary for 16 years, conceded defeat. “We will serve our nation from the opposition,” he said. Magyar confirmed the call on X: “Prime Minister Viktor Orban has just called to congratulate us on our victory.” He also received a congratulatory call from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte following the result.
The outcome drew an immediate and enthusiastic response from European leaders, who framed it as a historic turning point for democracy on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken directly with Magyar to congratulate him. “France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people’s commitment to European Union values, and Hungary’s European engagement,” he wrote on X, calling for joint efforts toward “a more sovereign Europe” focused on security, competitiveness and democracy.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the vote as a “historic” moment in which Hungarians had chosen to “turn the page” on a period he criticized for undermining the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. “Long live Europe. Long live democracy,” he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Magyar and expressed readiness to work together. “The Hungarian people have decided. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe,” he said.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a historic moment not only for Hungary but for European democracy,” while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared: “Today, Europe and European values have won.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen captured the mood in a single line: “Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Magyar on his “clear election victory” while thanking Orban for years of cooperation, expressing confidence that Italy and Hungary would continue working together “with a constructive spirit.”
Beyond Europe, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his congratulations, writing on X that “the Hungarian people have chosen a new path” and expressing readiness to work with Magyar and European allies “to deepen our cooperation in trade, defence, and security.” Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand echoed the sentiment, saying Hungary had “set a new course for the country.”
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