Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed her delight over the significant electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the recent national elections. Just 17 minutes following Orbán’s concession to opposition leader Péter Magyar, von der Leyen took to social media to proclaim,
“Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
A monumental shift in Hungarian politics
Orbán, known for his contentious relationship with von der Leyen, has been a staunch opponent of her legislative initiatives. His Fidesz party, which has utilized her image in various attack ads, parted ways with the European People’s Party in 2021 to align with the far-right Patriots for Europe. The recent election marks a decisive end to Orbán’s 16-year tenure, as the center-right opposition, led by Magyar, is projected to secure approximately two-thirds of the 199 parliamentary seats in Budapest.
Reactions to Orbán’s defeat and implications for Europe
The electoral outcome has sparked a flurry of political reactions regarding its implications for Europe. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, expressed his enthusiasm, declaring,
“Tonight is the victory of the people of Hungary! They confirm that our centre-right, people-first politics win elections.”
He emphasized that substance, solutions, and unity were paramount in contrast to what he described as empty slogans and fears.
Many European leaders are now contemplating what this change in Hungary means for the continent. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, affirmed,
“Hungary’s place is at the heart of Europe.”
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron extended his congratulations to Magyar, stating, “Together, let us advance a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy.”
The reactions signify a hopeful turn in EU-Hungary relations, suggesting a collaborative path forward after years of Orbán’s contentious policies that often obstructed EU initiatives.