Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Budapest’s Chain Bridge, a symbol of the city’s historic divide between Buda and Pest, has long been a backdrop for tourist snapshots. But this Sunday, the structure glowed with a different significance. The bridge was illuminated in green, white, and red—a vivid display of Hungary’s national colors—marking a turning point in the country’s political landscape. The once-quiet spot now buzzed with celebration, as citizens gathered to mark the end of a 16-year rule by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
A New Dawn for Hungary
Supporters of Péter Magyar, the leader of the Tisza party, expressed pride in reclaiming their nation’s direction. Magyar’s victory speech resonated deeply with his followers, who felt a profound sense of liberation. “We did it,” he declared. “We brought down the Orbán regime—collectively, we have freed Hungary. We have reclaimed our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!” The crowds, many of whom were first-time voters, danced through the city’s streets, overwhelmed by a blend of hope and disbelief. Zofia, one of the revelers, shared her emotions: “I cried when I cast my vote. I still can’t quite believe we did it. But we did!” Her group of friends echoed this sentiment with chants of “Russians Go Home!”
Orbán, once a figure of defiance against Soviet rule, now faces a reversal of fortune. His call for Russians to leave Hungary in 1989, during the collapse of communism, is now a phrase critics wield against him. The slogan, which once rallied protesters during the 1956 anti-communist revolt, now serves as a reminder of his shifting alliances. Over time, Orbán embraced a more authoritarian approach, aligning Hungary with Moscow’s interests. This election, however, proved a stark contrast. Despite his control over state media and electoral reforms favoring his party, Orbán was decisively defeated, signaling a shift in European politics.
Implications Beyond Hungary
Orbán’s loss is a setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who relied on the Hungarian leader as a key ally within the EU. Orbán had delayed sanction packages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and obstructed a major EU loan to Kyiv. Zelensky, however, welcomed the change, expressing anticipation for “constructive work” with Magyar. While his message was measured, it underscored the growing distance between Hungary and Russia.
European leaders like Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen hailed the result as a milestone for democratic governance. Yet, the outcome may not have pleased everyone. Trump, for instance, likely viewed the defeat as a blow to his influence in the region. The former president had championed Orbán, even dispatching his vice-president to Budapest during the Iran war to endorse his policies. Both men admired Orbán as a defender of Christian nationalist and anti-globalist ideals.
A Reckoning with Populism
While some analysts see Orbán’s fall as a sign that populist movements have peaked, others remain cautious. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party, for example, underperformed in French local elections, hinting at broader challenges. Magyar, now in power, may navigate a delicate path, avoiding abrupt reversals of Orbán’s policies to maintain public support. Yet, he has pledged to remove barriers to the €90bn loan to Kyiv, a promise that could reshape Hungary’s role in European affairs.
