Hungary Elects New Leader, Ousting Orban After 16 Years

Hungary Votes Overwhelmingly for Change, Ousting Orban

In a stunning political shift, Hungarians have voted to end the 16-year rule of nationalist leader Victor Orban. Peter Majar, leading an anti-corruption and pro-European Union party, secured a decisive victory in the recent election. The results suggest Majar has won a supermajority in parliament, granting him the power to enact significant changes and potentially overturn Orban’s established reforms.

A Night of Celebration in Budapest

The mood in Budapest following the election results was electric. Correspondent Tom Kingston described scenes of widespread celebration, with people filling the streets late into the night. “It was just a huge party,” Kingston reported, painting a picture of dancing, honking cars, and jubilant crowds. He noted that the atmosphere felt more like a revolution than a typical election, highlighting the profound public desire for change.

Unexpected Scale of Victory

While some anticipated a shift in power, the scale of Peter Majar’s victory surprised many. Even a local journalist, speaking just a day before the vote, predicted a landslide, a prediction that proved accurate. Majar’s party not only won but achieved a supermajority, securing more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats. This level of support gives Majar special powers to amend the constitution and pass laws. It also allows him to remove Orban appointees from key positions in institutions like the central bank, courts, and the public prosecutor’s office. These individuals could have otherwise acted as an institutional block to Majar’s agenda.

Who is Peter Majar?

Peter Majar presents a stark contrast to the outgoing leader. He has pledged to reforge ties with the European Union and distance Hungary from Vladimir Putin’s Russia. A key promise is to tackle corruption and begin improving Hungary’s deteriorating infrastructure, focusing on hospitals, schools, and roads. This represents a complete reversal of Victor Orban’s long-standing policies.

A Former Ally Turned Challenger

Interestingly, Majar is not new to the political arena or Victor Orban’s party. He was a member of Orban’s Fides party for many years, holding significant positions within its structure. He worked in state companies, led organizations, and even served as a diplomat to the EU for Orban’s government. However, two years ago, Majar dramatically split from Fides, publicly denouncing it as a corrupt organization and vowing to go it alone.

Hungarians appear to have embraced Majar’s insider perspective. His history within the Orban system is seen by many voters as a qualification, suggesting he is well-equipped to dismantle and reform the existing structures. This sentiment suggests a belief that he understands the inner workings of the regime he now aims to transform.

Implications for Ukraine

The election outcome is also seen as positive news for Ukraine. During the campaign, Victor Orban had frequently criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, accusing him of conspiring with the EU to draw Hungary into the war. Orban’s rhetoric led some of his supporters to believe that a Majar victory would result in Hungarian soldiers being sent to the front lines. Majar, however, has clearly stated that this will not happen. He has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine and align Hungary with the EU’s position on the conflict, offering a significant policy change from Orban’s stance.

Broader Political Context

The election result also carries implications beyond Hungary’s borders. The strong support for Majar’s pro-EU platform signals a potential shift in Hungary’s relationship with the European Union. Orban’s government had often been at odds with Brussels, creating friction within the bloc. Majar’s victory suggests a desire for closer cooperation and integration.

The election outcome also serves as a notable event in international politics. For instance, US Senator JD Vance, who had publicly supported Orban, may find his political capital in Hungary diminished by this result. This highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of foreign political endorsements in national elections.

Looking Ahead

With a supermajority in parliament, Peter Majar is poised to enact sweeping changes in Hungary. Attention will now turn to how quickly and effectively he can implement his promises to tackle corruption, rebuild infrastructure, and reorient Hungary’s foreign policy. The coming months will be crucial in determining the true impact of this historic election on Hungary and its place within Europe.

Source: What The ‘Revolutionary’ Hungarian Election Result Means For Europe | Tom Kington (YouTube)