Zelenski congratulates Péter Magyar after the victory in Hungary: “We are ready for cooperation”
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, sent a congratulatory message to Péter Magyar and the Tisza party, after their decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Hungary.
Fidesz billboard showing Péter Magyar and Zelenski with the message “Stop them” PHOTO AFP
The Kiev leader's message came shortly after Viktor Orbán conceded defeat, marking the end of a 16-year term as the country's leader.
“Congratulations to Péter Magyar and the TISZA party for their decisive victory. It is important when a constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good neighborly relations with all countries in Europe and we are ready to develop cooperation with Hungary. Europe and every European nation must become stronger,” he Zelensky wrote on the X platform.
Strained relationship with Orbán
The name of the Ukrainian leader was frequently invoked in the Hungarian election campaign, especially by the Fidesz camp and Viktor Orbán, known for his critical positions towards Kiev.
Relations between Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Viktor Orbán have been marked by constant tensions, heightened recently after the Hungarian leader blocked a 90 billion euro European loan to Ukraine.
During the campaign, pro-government media in Budapest also made controversial allegations that Ukraine might try to cause chaos after the election, claims that have not been confirmed.
EU leaders, after Péter Magyar's decisive victory
Péter Magyar's victory was quickly hailed by European leaders. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that “the heart of Europe beats stronger in Hungary”.
Congratulatory messages also came from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Also, the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, sent a message of support for the new leader from Budapest.
The change of power in Hungary is seen as an important moment for the region, with the potential to reset foreign relations, including with Ukraine and the European Union.
