Hungary elections live updates: Trump ally Orban ousted after 16 years as Magyar wins by landslide – UK Times

Péter Magyar has been elected as prime minister of Hungary following in a dramatic win against long-time leader Viktor Orbán.

The Tisza party, a centre-right, pro-European party, led by Mr Maygar, won Hungary’s elections this evening, overcoming Mr Orbán, and Fidesz party, who had a 16-year tenure and won four straight elections.

Leading up to election night, Magyar sought to whittle away at Orbán’s rural support base with months of relentless touring in the countryside.

Kirill Dmitriev, Russian special envoy, said Victor Orban’s defeat will “just accelerate the collapse of the EU”

“Check if I am right in 4 months,” he said in response to far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is yet to issue a statement on the Hungarian elections.

British prime minister Keir Starmer called Peter Magyar’s victory in Hungary election “an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy”.

“I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries.”

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reached out to Peter Magyar in hopes of support.

Victor Orban, the ousted prime minister, was the Kremlin’s strongest ally in the EU and repeatedly blocked aid for Ukraine to fend off Russia’s invasion.

“It is important when constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary,” Zelensky posted on social media.

“We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,” he said.

Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico ⁠expressed gratitude to outgoing ⁠Hungarian leader ​Viktor ⁠Orban and ⁠congratulated the ​incoming prime minister Peter Magyar ⁠after ‌a national election.

Fico, a ‌key ally ‌who had backed ⁠Orban before voting started, said Slovakia was ready for intensive cooperation ‌and joint action ​in protecting ‌energy interests ⁠remained ⁠a goal.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk welcomed what he called a “glorious” victory by Hungary’s pro-EU opposition Tisza party in the general elections.

“Hungary, Poland, Europe. Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!” Tusk wrote on X.

“Ruszkik haza! (Russians, go home),” he added in Hungarian.

In a subsequent post on X, he shared a video of himself talking to Peter Magyar. “I am so happy. I am happier than you,” he said.

US Democrats are celebrating the defeat of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban.

US president Donald Trump had backed Orban leading up to the vote, even speaking briefly last week at a campaign rally in Hungary.

“Pay attention, Donald Trump. ​Wannabe ⁠dictators wear out their welcome,” Senate Minority ‌Leader Chuck Schumer said.

“Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orban has lost the election. Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November,” said US House of Representatives Minority ‌Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Peter Magyar’s landslide victory in Sunday’s Hungarian election has handed his centre-right Tisza party a sweeping mandate that will give it a free hand to enact reforms, bolster the rule of law and potentially unlock billions in EU funding.

Magyar, addressing jubilant supporters chanting “Europe, Europe” after Victor Orban conceded defeat, pledged to make Hungary a strong EU and Nato ally and rebuild ties marred ‌by years of conflict.

“With the two-thirds majority allowing us to amend the constitution, we will restore the ‌system of checks and balances,” Magyar said.

“We will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and guarantee the democratic functioning of our country. We will never again allow anyone to hold free Hungary captive or to abandon it.”