Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
The Chain Bridge, a historic symbol in Budapest, connects the city’s two banks—the scenic Buda and the bustling Pest—over the Danube River. While it’s typically a backdrop for tourist photographs, Sunday’s event transformed it into a vibrant stage for political change. The bridge was adorned in green, white, and red, the Hungarian flag’s colors, as citizens celebrated an unexpected shift in power.
After 16 years of leadership under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the election results marked a dramatic turn. Péter Magyar and his Tisza party emerged victorious, with supporters expressing a renewed sense of national identity. Magyar’s speech echoed the crowd’s sentiment, declaring,
“We did it. We brought down the Orbán regime— together we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!”
The atmosphere was electric, with first-time voters dancing through the streets, filled with optimism and disbelief.
Orbán’s Legacy and the Chant of Defiance
Despite Orbán’s control over state media and his manipulation of the electoral system, his influence couldn’t prevent the landslide. The outgoing leader, once a symbol of anti-communist resistance in 1989, now faced a reversal of his own rhetoric. His campaign posters had warned of threats from Moscow, but critics mocked him for cozy ties with Vladimir Putin. As the crowd chanted “Russians Go home!” in the early hours of Monday, the phrase took on new meaning.
Orbán’s political evolution from a reformist to an authoritarian figure had left many Hungarians disillusioned. The election result signaled a break from his era, with voters rejecting his vision of an illiberal democracy. The Fidesz leader’s ousting not only shook Hungary but also dealt a setback to Russia, which had relied on his support during the Ukraine conflict.
European Reactions and a New Dawn
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the result as a milestone for European democracy, while Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission called it a reaffirmation of Hungary’s alignment with the EU. However, the shift also highlighted Europe’s divided stance on foreign policies. Magyar, now in charge, faces the challenge of balancing his promises with Orbán’s legacy, including maintaining Hungary’s stance on military aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s reaction was notably muted. The former U.S. president, who had championed Orbán as a key ally, saw his influence wane. Orbán’s defeat stripped him of a vital partner in the EU, though the political bond between the two remains rooted in shared ideologies. Analysts note that while populist movements may have peaked in some regions, Orbán’s fall underscores the fragility of such alliances.
