Hungary’s TISZA party secured a constitutional majority in recent elections, prompting congratulations from U.S. Republicans who attribute the outcome to a rejection of Russian influence.
TISZA Party Gains Majority, Orban Concedes
The TISZA party, led by Peter Magyar, has won a constitutional majority in the Hungarian parliament. Viktor Orban congratulated Magyar on his victory. Journalists from Wyborcza.pl, TOK FM, and Radio Zet are reporting from Budapest.
Republican Congratulatory Messages
A U.S. Republican politician congratulated the Hungarian opposition on their electoral victory, emphasizing that “Hungarians rejected the harmful influence of Vladimir Putin.” The politician stated that the Hungarian people decisively chose democracy and the rule of law.
The politician added that Hungarians rejected the “destructive influence of Vladimir Putin, the world’s most ruthless dictator,” and determined their own future, expressing hope for a stronger alliance between the U.S. and NATO allies.
Wilson and Bacon Praise Outcome, Criticize Trump
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, co-chair of the Helsinki Commission, also expressed joy at the election results, framing Orban’s defeat as a rejection of Russian influence. He congratulated the Hungarian people for rejecting the detrimental impact of Russia and China.
Congressman Don Bacon, another Republican, congratulated Magyar and criticized the Trump administration for attempting to interfere in the Hungarian elections in favor of Orban, urging Trump not to meddle in other democracies.
Trump Administration’s Pro-Orban Efforts
The U.S. administration openly encouraged Hungarians to vote for Orban. Trump publicly endorsed Orban at least five times and suggested he was prepared to use “the power of the American economy” to assist the region of Hungary.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also visited Hungary to show support for Orban before the election. As of now, Trump and the White House have not commented on Orban’s electoral defeat.
Constitutional Changes Expected
With 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament, TISZA has a majority sufficient to change the constitution and laws enacted by Orban’s government during his 16 years in power. Fidesz-KDNP, led by Orban, received 55 seats, and the far-right MiHazánk party secured six seats.
Analysis: A Blow to Autocrats
Analysts suggest the election results represent a setback for autocrats, signaling that the advance of authoritarianism can be halted.