Budapest– European leaders praised it a lot peter magyar After that Great election victory in HungaryNot just because of what the vivacious campaigner and the country’s next prime minister might do, but because of who he is not – longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whom many viewed as a direct threat to the continent’s peace and prosperity.
Deep disappointment is reflected in this anger Orban in the 27-nation European Union and its institutions.
“Today Europe wins and European values ​​win,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on X on Sunday night. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media: “Back together! Great victory, dear friends!”
Orbán’s 16-year grip on power has tested the EU’s system of governance, built to ensure peace through economic and political integration after the devastation of world wars. Claiming that he sought to advance Hungary’s national interests over a strategy formulated in Brussels, Orbán repeatedly vetoed collective action such as support for Ukraine. Russia’s all-out attack.
Recently, the far-right leader’s government angered EU leaders and officials when it admitted providing backchannels to Russia during the summit.
In a recent interview, Magyar told the Associated Press If elected he would improve Hungary’s relations with the EU. However, he has carefully avoided taking a stance on a number of divisive issues during the election campaign – including the issue of Orbán. Anti-LGBTQ+ policies And whether Hungary should provide more support to Ukraine. “All Hungarians know that this is a shared victory. Our homeland has made up its mind. It wants to live again. It wants to be a European country,” Magyar said during his victory speech from the banks of the Danube River in the country’s capital, Budapest.
Magyar said she received calls Sunday night — before taking the stage to announce her victory — from French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Online, congratulations also came from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christerson and European Parliament President Roberta Metzola. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Romanian President Nicosor Dan and European Council President Antonio Costa also posted their well wishes for the Magyars.
“This is a historic moment not only for Hungary, but for European democracy,” Starmer said.
“France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the commitment of the Hungarian people to EU values ​​and Hungary’s commitment to Europe,” Macron said.
“Let’s unite for a strong, secure and above all united Europe,” Merz said.
Kristersson mentioned both the EU and NATO in his congratulatory note to the Magyars: “I look forward to working together with you – as allies and as members of the EU. This is a new chapter in Hungary’s history.”
Slovenia’s liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob congratulated Magyar, saying, “His victory over right-wing populism is a great victory for the EU and also for its future.”
“Only a more united and more effective European Union will be able to respond to the extremely serious challenges of the times ahead,” Gollob said.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, himself a descendant of Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust, also congratulated Magyar.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar, but also thanked Orbán for “intense cooperation for these years”.
Far-right French politician Jordan Bardella, who is seen as a nationally competitive politician in the upcoming 2027 French elections, praised Orbán’s record on populist causes in a post on Ax. He made no mention of the Magyars.
Von der Leyen, who like many EU officials had avoided any public position on Hungary’s election, posted on Twitter that “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. One country returns to its European path. The Union becomes stronger.”
Orbán has criticized the Brussels-based EU executive and frequently disrupted its agenda.
Manfried Weber, chairman of the European People’s Party, a frequent target of Orbán, said on social media that “Hungary is again at the center of Europe.”
German lawmaker Daniel Freund said “Hungarians are sending a signal to the world” – and warned that Orbán’s election defeat would resonate among populist leaders around the world.
Freund said, “The symbol of anti-European forces has now failed – brought down by a disastrous economy, corruption and its own unfair electoral system.”
Ukraine posted a congratulatory message to the Magyars on their X account, referencing the two historical rivers of Ukraine and Hungary.
It says, “The Dnipro and the Tisza flow through a common home – Europe.”
