Peter Magyar’s TISZA party secured a constitutional majority in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, defeating Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz after 16 years in power.
German Media React to Hungarian Election Results
German media outlets are reporting on the outcome of the Hungarian elections, with some describing the result as a collapse of Orbán’s regime akin to the fall of former socialist governments.
“Die Zeit” notes that while Magyar’s victory is a turning point for Hungary and Europe, systemic change will be challenging due to Orbán’s embedded influence within institutions.
Magyar Declares Victory, Promises Systemic Change
Peter Magyar announced a decisive victory for TISZA, winning a two-thirds majority and promising to dismantle Orbán’s system and reclaim the country. He thanked supporters, who chanted “Let the TISZA flow!”
Magyar emphasized the scale of the victory, stating it would be visible in every home, from small villages to cities.
TISZA Achieves Historic Mandate
Peter Magyar’s TISZA party defeated Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz, ending 16 years of their rule. This marks the strongest mandate for an opposition party in Hungary since 1989, granting TISZA the power to amend the constitution.
Challenges Ahead: Institutional Independence
David Vig, director of Amnesty International Hungary, cautioned that Orbán had placed loyalists in key positions. Restoring the independence of these institutions will be a significant challenge, even with a constitutional majority.
Geopolitical Implications and External Influence
The election outcome has geopolitical significance, with Orbán’s defeat unaffected by support from Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, or previous backers like Angela Merkel. “Die Zeit” suggests this is a failure of German political leadership.
“A Notorious Obstacle” Removed
“Handelsblatt” describes the end of the Orbán era as a turning point for Hungary and the EU, noting that the “notorious obstacle” will no longer hinder EU summits or block crucial funding, such as aid to Ukraine.
The paper also suggests the result is a warning for the European right, as Orbán loses his position as a leading figure.
Voters Reject Orbán’s System
“Der Spiegel” reports on a “historic shift in power,” stating that Hungarian voters have “launched Orbán into space.” Magyar focused on good governance and fair tenders, while fears of migration and war failed to resonate.
Widespread Rejection of Orbán’s Policies
“Die Welt” describes the election result as an “earthquake,” with voters rejecting not only Fidesz but the entire Orbán system. The new government is expected to pursue a different policy towards the EU, aiming to resolve disputes over the rule of law.
ARD: A Solid Partner for Europe
Germany’s ARD public broadcaster suggests that Magyar represents a “solid partner” for Europe, ending the blockade of joint political decisions and the practice of political blackmail. Hungary’s image as an investment-friendly country has been damaged under Orbán.
ARD notes that Magyar, like Orbán, is a conservative, and shares skepticism about Ukraine’s EU membership, embodying the desire of most Hungarians to be a proud nation within the European Union.
