Prime Minister Viktor Orban concedes defeat as early results show his Fidesz party losing parliamentary majority.
Published On 12 Apr 2026
Hungary’s opposition party Tisza is projected to win parliamentary elections in a landslide, ousting the Fidesz party of longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has led the country for 16 years.
Early results on Sunday night projected opposition leader Peter Magyar’s party as winning 52.49 percent of the vote, and Orban’s Fidesz taking 38.83 percent.
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Conceding defeat, Orban said that while not all the results were in yet, the situation was “understandable and clear”.
“The election result is painful for us, but clear. The responsibility and possibility of governing were not given to us. I have congratulated the winner,” he said.
At the same time, in a post on X, Magyar thanked Hungary for its support and confirmed that Orban had congratulated him on his success.
Here’s how the world has reacted to the election results:
Germany
Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Magyar on his victory and said, “The Hungarian people have decided.”
“I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe,” he wrote on X.
France
President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke to Magyar to congratulate him on his victory.
“France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people’s commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungary’s commitment to Europe,” he wrote on X.
Norway
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Magyar’s success was of “great importance” to Europe.
“I look forward to close and constructive cooperation in pursuing peace and stability, democracy and the rule of law on our continent,” he said.
Lithuania
President Gitanas Nauseda called the result a “Big win for Hungary! Big win for Europe!”
“Congratulations to @magyarpeterMP. There are a lot of things we could and should do for the sake of democracy, justice and peace,” Nauseda wrote on X.
Estonia
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Hungarians have made a “historic choice for a free and strong Hungary in a united Europe, rejecting forces that ignore their interests”.
“Congratulations to Peter Magyar on winning the election! I look forward to working together on what unites Estonia, Hungary and Europe,” Michal said.
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed Magyar’s victory, saying, “Hungary has chosen Europe.”
“A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger. Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together we are stronger,” von der Leyen said on X.