Hungary has voted, and in doing so, sent a message to democratic forces worldwide. Péter Magyar's Tisza Party won a historic supermajority, ending 16 years of Viktor Orbán's illiberal rule. But rebuilding democracy, restoring the Rule of Law, and repairing Hungary's relationship with the EU will be a mammoth task. We asked Adéla Jurečková, Director of our Prague office (covering Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary) what the result means for Hungary, Europe, and Ukraine.
1. What are the main takeaways from the election result?
The Tisza Party’s landslide victory marks a historic turning point for Hungary and Europe alike. After 16 years of democratic erosion, corruption, and mismanagement, the Hungarian electorate has decisively rejected the Orbán regime that has long served as a blueprint for autocrats worldwide. On this election night, we have learned not to underestimate the strength and appeal of democracy, nor to overestimate the ability of authoritarians to cling to power. Even in a heavily tilted and unfair – though still free – election, leaders are ultimately held accountable for their performance.
A key lesson here is that the authoritarian right cannot only be defeated on the battlefield of ideology, but must also be challenged on the terrain of realpolitik. Hungarian voters did not cast their ballots for democracy as an abstract ideal; they voted for a democracy that delivers. They chose a state that ensures functional healthcare and infrastructure, tackles corruption, and puts an end to the arrogance of power. We have seen that the citizens' desire for a democracy, grounded in the principles of the Rule of Law, is more powerful than state-sponsored propaganda fuelled by fear and hatred. This is a vital reference point for liberal democratic forces across the globe.
2. What comes next for democracy and the Rule of Law in Hungary?
While Orbán’s electoral defeat was a necessary precondition for restoring democracy and the Rule of Law, it was only the first step on a long path towards democratic transition in Hungary. The future Hungarian Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, has committed to rebuilding a democratic, pluralistic constitutional order, ending corruption, and restoring media freedom. With Tisza’s two-thirds majority capable of amending the constitution, the new government will have the chance to achieve this goal. Nonetheless, it will be a mammoth task: during his 16 consecutive years in power, Orbán has filled key institutions with loyalists, dominated the vast majority of the media market, and dismantled democratic checks and balances.
To succeed, Magyar will need commitment, stamina, and a network of experts and allies. A decisive contribution can be made by Hungarian civil society and the free investigative media, whose tireless work made Magyar's victory possible in the first place. Their strong involvement will not only be essential for restoring democratic institutions and the Rule of Law but also for bridging the deep societal divides created by Orbán’s campaigns of hate and fear.
3. How will the result reshape Hungary’s position on Ukraine and within the EU?
Viktor Orbán exploited Hungary’s veto power for blackmail, blocked crucial decision-making processes within the EU and declared both the EU and Ukraine to be the primary enemies of the Hungarian people. Investigative reports suggest that his government also leaked classified information from EU negotiations to Russia and followed directives from the Kremlin. All of this is now set to change: Magyar’s victory has been celebrated on the streets of Budapest and in the international press as Hungary’s return to Europe. Magyar himself has already announced that Hungary intends to be a constructive partner within the EU. Hungary would no longer block decisions at the EU level, would join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and would even take steps towards joining the Eurozone.
Beyond a credible pro-European stance, the new government also has a vital interest in maintaining good relations with the EU: it needs the release of EU funds, currently frozen due to rule of law breaches, to fulfil its promises of boosting the Hungarian economy and modernising infrastructure. However, even under Magyar’s government, Hungary’s support for Ukraine will likely be limited to not being an obstacle in the machine. Magyar has signalled that Hungary might support the release of the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine, but will not contribute to it. He also opposes fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
