The election result heralds a significant reorientation in Hungary's relations with the European Union, Russia and the Donald Trump administration.
Magyar, a former associate of Orbán, announced that his party would use the two-thirds majority of votes in parliament to dismantle the authoritarian system created by the current prime minister.
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Peter Magyar in a speech. “Hungary's place is in Europe”
In a speech to his supporters in Budapest, Magyar emphasized that his goal was to restore Hungary to the European community, from which he believed the country had drifted away during Orban's rule. “Hungary's place is, will be and has been in Europe for a thousand years” – said the leader of the winning party, standing in front of the illuminated parliament building.
Orban, who has been a symbol of Eurosceptic movements in Europe for years, admitted defeat, calling the election results “painful.” His defeat is a blow not only to himself, but also to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, who counted on Orbán keeping in power as an ally in achieving their political goals.
The Hungarian currency, the forint, reacted to the election results by strengthening to its highest level in the last four years against the euro.
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Increases were also recorded on the bond and stock markets. The Hungarian parliament, in which Tisza's party gained a dominant position, called for the resignation of the country's president, top judges and the prosecutor general, accusing them of loyalty to Orbán's system.
“Those who betrayed the country must take responsibility.” Magyar said to the cheering crowd.
The change of power in Hungary is also a signal to the European Union, which for years has struggled with Orban's resistance on key issues, such as sanctions against Russia and aid for Ukraine. For Putin, who took advantage of Orbán's policies to weaken EU unity, the election result is a significant blow, writes Bloomberg.
Magyar wants to rebuild relations with the EU and NATO
Magyar announced that his government will strive to rebuild relations with the European Union and NATO. “Hungary will again be a strong ally in the European Union and NATO” – he emphasized in his speech. His victory also means the weakening of the nationalist trend in Europe, of which Orbán was one of the main leaders, as Bloomberg writes.
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