Peter Magyar Wins Historic Landslide, Ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-Year Rule in Hungary

Hungary’s parliamentary election has delivered a major political shift, with Peter Magyar and his centre-right Tisza Party defeating longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power.

The election saw an exceptionally high turnout of nearly 80 percent, marking one of the most participated votes in Hungary’s post-Communist history. With 97.35 percent of ballots counted, the Tisza Party secured a decisive victory, winning about 53.6 percent of the vote and 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament—enough for a two-thirds majority that allows constitutional amendments. Orbán’s Fidesz party received around 37.8 percent of the vote, taking 55 seats.

Orbán reportedly conceded defeat after preliminary results showed a clear opposition lead, while Magyar announced on social media that Orbán had called to congratulate him on the victory.

In his address to supporters in Budapest, Magyar described the result as a turning point for the country, saying voters had chosen change and unity. He pledged to represent all Hungarians and emphasized that such a strong democratic mandate had never been seen before in Hungary’s recent history.

Celebrations erupted across Budapest as supporters gathered along the Danube River. Observers described a festive and emotional atmosphere as many reflected on the end of Orbán’s long political era.

Analysts noted that the two-thirds majority is especially significant, as it gives the new government the power to reshape Hungary’s constitution and potentially reverse many of Orbán’s policies.

The result is expected to realign Hungary more closely with European Union policies, possibly unlocking suspended EU funds and changing the country’s stance on issues such as support for Ukraine. It also removes Orbán as a key ally of Russia within the EU, potentially shifting broader geopolitical dynamics.

Tisza’s victory has been framed as a mandate for reform, including promises to tackle corruption and strengthen judicial independence. However, the scale of change will depend on how the new government uses its strong parliamentary control in the coming months.