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 historic election in Hungary has transformed the city’s skyline, with the Chain Bridge now glowing in the nation’s flag colors—green, white, and red. Once a backdrop for tourist snapshots, the bridge became a symbol of political change as supporters of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party celebrated his unexpected victory. After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s leadership, the once-unshakable prime minister was defeated, marking a pivotal moment for the country.
Magyar’s triumph sparked nationwide excitement. His victory speech echoed with phrases like,
“We did it. Together we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland!”
The crowd’s energy was palpable, with first-time voters dancing in Budapest’s alleys, fueled by hope and disbelief. “I cried when I marked my ballot,” shared Zofia, a local. “I still can’t believe it, but we did!” Her group chanted,
“Russians Go Home!”
a reminder of the political journey that brought them to this point.
Orbán’s defeat is a testament to shifting public sentiment. His control over media and electoral reforms had long favored Fidesz, yet the results spoke louder. Critics highlighted his ties to Putin, contrasting his early 1989 rhetoric against Soviet influence with his current alignment with Moscow. The slogan he once championed—
“Russians Go Home!”
—now hangs in the air as a challenge to his leadership.
The fallout for Putin is significant. Orbán, once a key EU ally, delayed sanctions on Russia and blocked vital loans to Ukraine. His removal weakens Moscow’s leverage in Europe, though Zelensky’s muted praise on X—”looking forward to constructive work”—suggests cautious optimism. Meanwhile, Trump’s reaction was notably subdued. The former president lost a major European supporter, as Orbán’s policies aligned with his vision of the “anti-globalist” right.
Magyar faces a delicate balancing act. While he promises to support Brussels’ €90bn loan to Kyiv, he may not undo Orbán’s decision to withhold military aid. This compromise reflects the broader European divide: some leaders view Orbán as a barrier to unity, while others see him as a stalwart against global influence. In Brussels, he was called “the Obstructor,” but his legacy also shaped the continent’s defense strategy against Moscow and Beijing.
