“I'm sad that Viktor Orbán lost. He is a great guy who has done a very good job for the people of Hungary. But the Hungarian people have spoken, and we respect democratic results.
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Orbán Loses Hungarian Election After 16 Years in Power
April 12, 2026
On April 12, 2026, Hungarian voters ousted Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a landslide, ending 16 years of increasingly authoritarian rule. Opposition leader Péter Magyar's Tisza party won 138 of 199 parliamentary seats (53.6%) — a two-thirds supermajority — to Fidesz's 55 seats (37.8%), with a record 77% turnout. The defeat came five days after Vice President JD Vance traveled to Budapest to campaign for Orbán, accusing the EU of election interference while openly endorsing the incumbent. European leaders celebrated the result, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declaring "Hungary has chosen Europe." Orbán conceded, calling the result "painful but clear."
13
Statements Recorded
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13 Statements
“The Union grows stronger. Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together we are stronger. Europe's heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.
“France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people's commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungary's commitment to Europe.
“Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary. We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe.
“Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orbán has lost the election. Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November. Winter is coming.
“Orbán's loss is a significant defeat for Putin, for Trump and for the forces of authoritarianism around the world. This should be a wake-up call for Americans ahead of the midterms. Authoritarianism can be defeated at the ballot box.
“The freedom-loving people of Hungary have voted decisively in favor of democracy and the rule of law.
“Don't fiddle-paddle in other democracies' elections.
“Tonight, truth prevailed over lies. Today, we won because Hungarians didn't ask what their homeland could do for them — they asked what they could do for their homeland. You found the answer.
“The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success. I am looking forward to working with you. Let's join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.
“Hungary. Poland. Europe. Back together! Ruszkik haza.
“The election result is painful for us, but clear. I have congratulated the victorious party. The responsibility and possibility of governing was not given to us.
“An historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.
Background (2)— earlier statements that set the stage▸
“Foreign influence is when other governments threaten, cajole and try to use economic influence to tell you how to vote. We have never threatened Hungary saying, 'If you don't vote for Viktor Orbán, you're not going to get this and this.'
“Viktor Orbán is a fantastic man. He did not allow people to storm your country and invade your country like the people have and ruined other countries.