Following elections, Peter Magyar’s coalition has secured a parliamentary supermajority in Hungary, poised to reshape the country after 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s leadership.
Election Results Guarantee Supermajority
Final election data confirms a qualified majority for Magyar’s coalition, totaling 133 mandates, enabling constitutional and legislative changes after 16 years of Orbán’s governance. Three groups entered the Hungarian parliament as a result of the elections: the Fidesz-KDNP coalition led by Orbán received 52 mandates, and the far-right Mi Hazánk party secured six.
Magyar Pledges Rule of Law and EU Alignment
Peter Magyar announced his commitment to restoring the rule of law, pluralistic democracy, and checks and balances. He also pledged to eradicate corruption, stating that voters demonstrated their commitment to the European Union by voting against Orbán’s policies.
Transition of Power Underway
Magyar met with President Tamás Sulyok, who assured him of a swift transfer of power and pledged to task him with forming a government. Magyar has repeatedly called for the resignation of President Sulyok, appointed by the Orbán-controlled parliament. The new Hungarian government is expected to be sworn in by mid-May.
Orbán Acknowledges “Shock” and Calls for Renewal
Viktor Orbán stated he is “trying to come to terms” with the shock of the election results, acknowledging the end of a political era and the need for a complete renewal of the right-wing movement.
Fidesz Leader Accepts Responsibility
Orbán accepted responsibility for the defeat as chairman of Fidesz, initiating a party renewal process including a congress to elect new leadership. He anticipates the renewal process concluding by late summer or early autumn.
Campaign Miscalculation and Orbán’s Reaction
Orbán attributed the scale of the defeat to a miscalculation regarding voter turnout, which reached a record high of nearly 80%. He described feeling a “void” alongside the initial pain of the results, but also a renewed energy.
Orbán’s Modest Wealth and Family Holdings
Reports indicate that despite a modest home in Felcsut, Orbán’s family possesses significant real estate holdings in the surrounding area worth hundreds of millions of złoty.