Peter Magyar claims victory as scandal ends Orban era in Hungary

Peter Magyar has declared a landslide election victory in Hungary, ending the 16-year rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orban and reshaping the country’s political landscape.

In his victory speech, Magyar promised a break from the past, vowing to tackle corruption, restore democratic institutions and rebuild ties with the European Union. His rise marks a dramatic turnaround for Hungary, where Orbán had long appeared politically untouchable following his dominant win in 2022.

While analysts cite familiar factors behind Orbán’s defeat — including tensions with the EU, close relations with Vladimir Putin and concerns over governance — many point to a turning point in 2023, when a visit by Pope Francis triggered a political crisis.

A clemency decision by the government, intended to reflect the Pope’s message of mercy, sparked outrage after it emerged that one of those pardoned had links to a child abuse cover-up. The scandal led to the resignations of senior figures, including former president Katalin Novak and ex-justice minister Judit Varga, severely damaging the ruling Fidesz party.

Magyar, a former Fidesz insider and Varga’s ex-husband, seized the moment by launching an anti-corruption campaign that quickly gained traction. As leader of the centre-right Tisza Party, he united a broad coalition of voters, including conservatives disillusioned with Orbán’s leadership.

Unlike previous opposition efforts, Magyar’s centre-right positioning made him a formidable challenger, drawing comparisons with reformist movements elsewhere in Europe. His victory is expected to steer Hungary toward a more moderate, pro-EU course and could have wider implications for the balance of power within the bloc.

Orban’s departure also marks a setback for global conservative networks, where he had played a key role in shaping alliances with figures such as Donald Trump and promoting right-wing political agendas across Europe and beyond.

Magyar is now set to form a new government, signalling the end of one of Europe’s most influential nationalist administrations and the beginning of a new chapter in Hungarian politics.

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