skip to main content

Tusk hails Hungary vote as blow to authoritarian rule

Updated / Monday, 13 Apr 2026 09:09
Peter Magyar waves a flag during the election evening in budapest
Peter Magyar waves the Hungarian flag as he greets supporters in Budapest last night

Hungary's election shows that Europe is not on an inevitable path toward authoritarian rule, Polish Prime Minister ⁠Donald Tusk said, after the center-right Tisza party ended Viktor Orban's 16-year grip on power.

"Everyone feared there was a trend toward authoritarian, corrupt regimes," Mr Tusk said while on an official visit to South Korea, according to Polish state-owned news agency PAP.

"That's not the case. First ‌Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chisinau, ⁠now Budapest."

In 2025, centrist Nicusor Dan won a presidential election in Romania and Moldova's pro-European ruling party won a resounding victory over its Russia-aligned rival.

Mr Tusk had repeatedly criticised Mr Orban's government for ‌its close ties with Russia.

"I'm glad that this part of Europe is showing that ⁠we are not doomed to corrupt and authoritarian ‌governments, because that's what Victor Orban's government unfortunately became ⁠after many years ‌in power."

Neighbours Poland and Hungary are linked by their long, shared history, close trade ties and cooperation within the European Union and ⁠NATO.

people hold candles and lights aloft at a gathering in Budapest
Supporters cheered as Peter Magyar gave a victory speech in Budapest

Mr Tusk said he had spoken with Tisza leader Peter ⁠Magyar to congratulate him on his victory.

"We briefly discussed his visit to Warsaw," Mr Tusk said.

"As you know, he long ago chose Warsaw as his first visit for quite obvious reasons. I think our relationship will ‌be absolutely exceptional.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis also congratulated Mr Magyar on his election victory over their ally, Mr Orban.

Mr Fico said on Facebook he was "ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian prime minister," while he also expressed his "gratitude" to the ousted Mr Orban.

Mr Babis said Mr Magyar "must not disappoint", pledging to "always work constructively with whoever voters choose".

Record turnout yesterday underscored how many Hungarians saw the election as a watershed moment for their country.

"We have done it. Tisza and Hungary have won this election," Mr Magyar told tens of thousands of supporters who danced and cheered alongside the Danube River embankment in central Budapest.

Many held candles while loudspeakers blasted Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' as Mr Magyar walked towards the stage.

"Together, we have replaced Orban's system and together we liberated Hungary, we have reclaimed our country," he ‌said.

Mr Magyar had cast the election as a choice between "East ⁠and West", warning voters that MrOrban and his confrontational stance towards Brussels would take the country further away from the European mainstream.

Mr Orban countered that Tisza would drag Hungary into an unwanted war with Russia, a charge Mr Magyar denied.

"The election result is painful for us, but clear," Mr Orban said at the Fidesz campaign offices.

Some of his supporters who had gathered outside cried while watching his speech on TV screens.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he looked forward to working with Mr Magyar "to strengthen bilateral relations between Ireland and Hungary".

Tánaiste Simon Harris also congratulated Mr Magyar, saying "Hungary is back at the heart of Europe".

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Mr Magyar's victory was a "heavy defeat" for "right-wing populism".

"Hungary has sent a very clear signal against right-wing populism across the whole world. In that respect, yesterday was... a good day," Mr Merz said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee congratulated Mr Magyar and said Ireland is "keen to strengthen relations and support Hungary's place in the EU".

More stories on