FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Hungary elections live trump ally orban ousted after 16 years as magyar wins by landslide - The Untold Story

Who is Péter Magyar Hungary’s new leader?

Hungary’s Peter Magyar wins victory in historic election

Starmer hails ‘historic moment for European democracy’ as Orban loses Hungary election

Key Points

• Peter Magyar declares election victory
• Who is Péter Magyar?
• US Democrats cheer defeat of Trump ally Orban in Hungary
• Peter Magyar pledges to rebuild ties with EU
• People celebrate election victory of Peter Magyar
• Polish PM dials Magyar: ' Happier than you'

Tisza plans to limit prime minister to two terms

Magyar adds that anti-corruption measures will be among the first steps his government will take.

He says that he plans to amend the constitution to limit prime ministers to just two terms.

How the world reacted to Péter Magyar’s victory

After Mr Magyar's election win, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly reached out in hopes of support.

"It is important when a constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary," he 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.”

Here’s how other world leaders reacted:

How the world reacted to Péter Magyar’s victory in Hungarian election

Magyar: 'We'll do everything to restore democracy in Hungary'

Magyar insists that his government will do “everything” to restore the country’s democracy, and a system of checks and balances.

“We are going to bring back politics to people,” he says.

Magyar: We will refrain from interfering in domestic affairs of any other country

Magyar adds that his government will “refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of any other country”.

He asks “the same from every other country”.

Magyar says Tisza "will represent every Hungarian" as he vows: "Our place is in Europe"

Addressing reporters on Monday, a victorious Peter Magyar vows to “represent every Hungarian”, including those who did not vote for his Tisza party, within and outside of the country.

He says that Hungarians voted to “start a new era”, saying they do not want just a change of government, “but a change of the whole regime”.

He says the election result could become final by 4 May, and calls on the president to convene the inaugural session of parliament as soon as possible, once the result is confirmed.

He goes on to say that “our place is in Europe”, as he works to repair ties with the bloc and secure access to billions in frozen funding.

How Trump’s support delivered the kiss of death to Orban’s election chances after landslide defeat

Viktor Orban had sought the backing of the Trump administration to see his struggling party over the line in elections to shape the future of Europe. Instead, it appears that the President’s backing may have harmed his chance, writes James C. Reynolds:

How Trump’s support delivered the kiss of death to Orban’s election chances

Analysis: Populism is not disappearing across the continent—it is being tested and forced to adapt

Grégoire Roos, Director, Europe and Russia and Eurasia Programmes at Chatham House, says the result is “by far the most consequential election in Europe”, showing “even the most entrenched systems can break—and that voters can turn when pressure builds”.

Mr Roos said that the outcome shows “that inflation, fatigue with centralised power, and limits to sovereignty politics eventually catch up—even where control looks solid”.

“Is it the end of an era? Yes—and no. Orbánism has been rejected at the ballot box. And the fact that Orbán conceded defeat so quickly indicates that we can expect a smooth transition of power, with no Trump-like challenge to the election results. But lest we assume that Magyar’s victory marks the beginning of the end for populism in Europe.

“Populism is not disappearing across the continent—it is being tested, constrained, and forced to adapt.”

Watch: Péter Magyar delivers landslide Hungary election victory speech

Ukraine expected to receive €90bn loan 'very quickly' in light of election result

A spokesperson for the German government says, in light of Orbán’s defeat, that they expect the funds held up for Ukraine to pass ‘very quickly’ now.

Orbán had vetoed a vital €90bn loan for Ukraine in February, citing a dispute over a broken pipeline.

Dr Jonathan Eyal, associate director at the Royal United Services Institute, told The Independent that Magyar would aim to be “unobstructive” in allowing the loan to now pass.

Russia seeks 'pragmatic ties' with Magyar

The Kremlin said on Monday that it hoped it could continue what it called its "pragmatic ties" with Hungary's new political leadership.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow respected the choice the Hungarian people had made at the ballot box and wanted good relations with Hungary, as well as with the rest of Europe.

• Context: Ahead of the election, Peter Magyar advocated for “pragmatism” on the issue of Ukraine, which he said “means that we have no say in Russia’s internal affairs, and they don’t have any say in our affairs. We are both sovereign countries, and we respect each other, but we don’t have to like each other”.

In full: Hungary’s election is a question of being careful what you wish for

As US interference comes to nought and Viktor Orban is voted out after 16 years, it may be a case of out of the frying pan and into a slightly smaller frying pan, writes Mary Dejevsky:

Hungary’s election is a question of being careful what you wish for

Germany says vote shows democracies are still resistant to Russian interference

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed relief on Monday that the outcome of elections in Hungary were so clear, saying Peter Magyar's win over nationalist leader Viktor Orban showed that democratic societies are still resilient to Russian propaganda.

"This (win) demonstrates that our democratic societies are evidently much more resilient against Russian propaganda and further external interference in such elections," said Merz at a press conference in Berlin.

Slovakia says it is ready to cooperate with new Hungarian leader

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico congratulated Hungary’s incoming leader Peter Magyar on Monday, offering “intensive cooperation” after his landslide victory.

"With full respect, I take note of the ⁠decision of the citizens of Hungary ... and am ready for ​intensive ⁠cooperation with the new Hungarian prime ‌minister, whom I congratulate on the election result," Fico said in a statement.

Under Fico, who returned to office in 2023, ‌Slovakia has been a close ally of ‌Hungary.

Both neighbours maintained warm ties with Moscow, opposing European Union sanctions and keeping up purchases of Russian oil and gas.

Watch: Peter Magyar delivers victory speech

Hungary election shows Europe is not on path to authoritarian rule, says Tusk

Hungary's election shows that Europe ​is not on an inevitable path toward authoritarian rule, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday.

"Everyone feared there was a trend toward authoritarian, corrupt regimes," Tusk said while on an official ⁠visit to South Korea, according ​to ⁠Polish state-owned news agency PAP.

"That's not the case. First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chisinau, ⁠now Budapest."

India's Modi wishes Peter Magyar

India's prime minister Narendra Modi this morning posted: "Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party on your resounding election victory.

"India and Hungary are bound by deep-rooted friendship, shared values and enduring mutual respect. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation and to advance the vital India-EU Strategic Partnership for the shared prosperity and well-being of our peoples."

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2043560766004203873

Obama hails Hungary's election result: 'Victory for democracy

'Former US president Barack Obama has hailed Peter Magyar’s victory in Hungary's parliamentary elections.

“The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world,” Obama wrote on X.

“Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.”

Everything you need to know about Peter Magyar

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.

More here.

Who is Péter Magyar Hungary’s new leader?

Russian envoy says election result will 'accelerate the collapse of EU'

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.

Budapest celebrates as Orban ousted after 16 years

Keir Starmer calls Hungary election result 'historic moment'

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."

Zelensky reaches out to incoming prime minister

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.

Orban's Slovakia ally says he is ready to cooperate with Magyar

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 PM dials Magyar: ' Happier than you'

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.

Welcome back to Europe! 🇵🇱🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/OycXLz1p6u

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 13, 2026

US Democrats cheer defeat of Trump ally Orban in Hungary

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 pledges to rebuild ties with EU

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."

People celebrate election victory of Peter Magyar

Record turnout in Hungary election

A record number of voters have cast their ballots in Hungary's general election.

Turnout in the election was nearly 80 per cent, according to the National Election Office.

This was the largest number of votes recorded in any election in Hungary's post-Communist history

Who is Péter Magyar, Hungary’s new leader?

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.

Rebecca Thomas writes:

Who is Péter Magyar Hungary’s new leader?

'Winter is coming', says US Democrat

US Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who is the House of Representatives Minority Leader, has posted an ominous warning to his domestic political opponents following Orban’s electoral loss.

“Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orban has lost the election,” he writes.

“Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November,” he adds, referring to the November mid-term elections.

In what sounds like a homage to HBO’s Game of Thrones, Jeffries adds: “Winter is coming.”

Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orbán has lost the election.

Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November.

Winter is coming.

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) April 12, 2026

'Hungary has chosen Europe', says von der Leyen

European Commission president is the first of Europe’s leaders to react to the critical election result, which is set to reshape Budapest’s relations with the EU.

It’s a post full of dramatic pauses from the European Commission president, who is rejoicing in the victory of pro-EU Peter Magyar.

“Hungary has chosen Europe,” she writes. “Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.

“Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union becomes stronger.”

Elon Musk laments Victor Orban's defeat

Elon Musk lamented Victor Orban's defeat in a post on X.

"Soros Organization has taken over Hungary," the billionaire wrote.

Billionaire financier and major Democratic donor ‌George Soros, a Hungarian immigrant to the US, has long been vilified by ​many conservatives.

Péter Magyar's political stances

Rebecca Thomas writes:

Peter Magyar is widely seen as an “insider” turned dissident of the Fidesz party and has leant into this narrative, telling the BBC in 2024, "After a while, I became more and more critical, openly and just among friends. I can tell you that the Fidesz we see today is very, very different from the one I joined in 2002."

"I was always told by the politicians it's necessary to keep power - I accepted it for a time. But of course, the turning point was in 2024."

Magyar's “Now or never” slogan dates back to a revolutionary poet's 19th-century rallying cry to rise for the homeland.

He has promised to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and sought to gain support from Hungary's disadvantaged Roma community.

The Tizsa leader has also pledged to unlock billions of euros in EU funds.

Watch: Viktor Orbán loses Hungary election after 16 years in power as Péter Magyar supporters react to win

Comment | How Hungary’s election could bring about a third term for Donald Trump

Seldom has Europe seen an election quite like this. As Hungary heads to the polls today not only are Moscow and Washington on the same side but they are throwing the kitchen sink at securing their man Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule an extension. Never before has a US vice-president campaigned for one side like JD Vance has just in Budapest. Nor for a while have we seen Vladimir Putin issue such a flurry of promises and concessions amid an intense disinformation campaign and reports of Russian agents operating on Hungarian soil. They are doing this because Orbán matters to the cause they both share: keeping the European Union divided and proving that right-wing semi-authoritarianism can thrive.

Ben Judah writes:

How Hungary’s election could bring about a third term for Donald Trump

We have liberated Hungary from the Orban regime, says Magyar

We can bring you more now from Peter Magyar, who is set to take over as Hungary’s new prime minster.

Hungarians have said “yes to Europe”, he says.

"As we promised, as we hoped, today, on April 12, 2026, Hungary and several million people made history again.”

He notes the election was won “exactly 23 years to the day after there was a referendum on joining the European Union in Hungary”.

"Together, we liberated Hungary and got rid of the Orbán regime,” he added to a crowd of supporters.

In pictures: Hungary celebrates Orban's defeat

Tisza party on course for two-third majority after 82% votes counted

We’ve now had 81.5 per cent of the votes counted, and results show Peter Magyar's Tisza party winning 137 seats.

This would mean it hits the crucial two-thirds majority mark, in what is a 199-member parliament.

Election official say a record 79 per cent or more of the electorate turned out to vote.

"It's incredibly exciting," 24-year-old Dorina Nyul, who attended the Tisza election night event, told Reuters news agency.

"It feels like this is our first and last chance in a really long time to actually change the system. And it's, I can't even describe the feeling."

Sir Ed Davey mocks JD Vance's efforts in Orban election campaign

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey wrote on X: “Trump, Putin, Farage… your boy took a hell of a beating.

“Congratulations to the people of Hungary for showing that populist extremists can be defeated – even despite Donald Trump’s best efforts.”

Sir Ed also mocked US vice-president JD Vance’s intervention in the campaign, in which he endorsed Mr Orban during a visit to Budapest earlier this month.

He added: “Has anyone noticed that wherever JD Vance goes, he just makes a mess.

“In Munich he insulted European allies. In Greenland he turned everyone against Trump. And now he’s helped Viktor Orban lose re-election.

“Maybe better to spend more time on the couch @VP?”

Has anyone noticed that wherever JD Vance goes, he just makes a mess.

In Munich he insulted European allies. In Greenland he turned everyone against Trump. And now he’s helped Viktor Orbán lose re-election.

Maybe better to spend more time on the couch @VP?

— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) April 12, 2026

More reaction from Europe

We can now bring you some more reaction coming in from leaders across Europe.

Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere: "I congratulate Peter Magyar and Tisza on their victory in the Hungarian parliamentary elections - a result with great importance to all of Europe. I look forward to close and constructive cooperation in pursuing peace and stability, democracy and the rule of law on our continent."

Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo: "In democratic elections, the Hungarian people have demonstrated their strong will to be an active member of European Union and NATO. The election result gives Hungary the opportunity to return to our community of values and security as a constructive actor."

Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda: "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."

'Winter is coming', says US Democrat

US Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who is the House of Representatives Minority Leader, has posted an ominous warning to his domestic political opponents following Orban’s electoral loss.

“Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orban has lost the election,” he writes.

“Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November,” he adds, referring to the November mid-term elections.

In what sounds like a homage to HBO’s Game of Thrones, Jeffries adds: “Winter is coming.”

Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orbán has lost the election.

Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November.

Winter is coming.

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) April 12, 2026

Zelensky congratulates Magyar and calls for 'constructive work' in Europe

Ukrainian ​President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Peter Magyar, leader of ⁠the opposition pro-EU Tisza party, on his victory in ⁠the ​Hungarian election ⁠and pledged to work ⁠with him to ​strengthen ⁠Europe and ‌uphold peace and security.

"It is important when ‌a constructive ‌approach is victorious," Zelenskiy wrote on ⁠Telegram.

"We are ready to meet and for joint constructive work for the benefit of both ‌our peoples ​and also ‌for the ⁠sake of ⁠peace, security and stability in ‌Europe."

Who is Péter Magyar?

Péter Magyar, 45 years old, is a lawyer turned politician and comes from a political family with deep political connections, including his great uncle Ferenc Mádl, a former president of Hungary.

He went to an elite Catholic boys' high school near the centre of Budapest, then went on to study law at a Catholic university in the capital.

In 2006, he married former Fidesz party justice minister Judit Varga, and the pair have three sons. The couple divorced in March 2023.

Magyar’s rise to prominence

Maygar first joined the Fidesz party while he was still in college. He also eventually became closely tied to the party’s chief of staff Gergely Gulyás.

He met his wife, Judit Varga, in 2005, who at the time was a rising star within the Fidesz party, and married her in 2006.

Ms Varga eventually became justice minister in 2019.

However, in 2024, he broke with the party after a scandal emerged, involving his wife, over the pardoning of a man who had helped cover up the crimes of a notorious paedophile by the Fidesz government.

Maygar released a secret recording of his wife, which allegedly captured her describing the government’s interference in the case.

In 2024, Magyar joined the little-known Tizsa party to contest the European Parliament elections and won 29 per cent of the vote last June. Under his leadership, the party adopted the slogan "Now or never!"

Peter Magyar declares election victory

Tisza leader Peter Magyar has proclaimed victory at an election rally following Viktor Orban's concession speech.

"We did it," says Magyar. "We have reclaimed our country.

"We have won an unprecedented mandate."

With 92 per cent of the votes counted, Tisza is on track to win 138 seats out of 199 in parliament.

He told a crowd of supporters that the transition to a new government would be “peaceful and smooth” due to a strong mandate.

He thanks the 3.3 million people who voted for Tisza and promises a "more humane Hungary for every single citizen".

Starmer: This is a historic moment for European democracy

British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Tisza leader Peter Magyar on his election as Hungarian prime minister.

“This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy,” he says in a post on X.

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

How could the election result influence the war in Ukraine?

There’s been lots of talk about how crucial this election was for Hungary’s future relationship with Europe.

But no European leader will be more relieved to see the result than Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who has for years been locked into diplomatic battles with a hostile Hungarian government led by Viktor Orban’s hard-right Fidesz party.

Budapest has staunchly resisted EU attempts to cut its use of Russian oil and gas since it invaded Ukraine more than four years ago.

Orban has maintained close ties with Moscow and has met with Vladimir Putin on several occasions. He has blocked a 90-billion-euro loan package from the EU to Kyiv, which would have used frozen Russian assets, and says that Ukraine must never be allowed to join the bloc.

The outgoing prime minister also accused the EU and Ukraine of seeking to meddle in the election, and accuses Kyiv of wanting to disrupt Hungary’s energy supply.

Magyar, in contrast, does not oppose Ukraine’s right to join the EU. But neither does his centre-right Tisza party support fast-track accession.

Although Tisza voters differ from Fidesz supporters - in that they consider Ukraine a partner rather than adversary of Hungary - they are nonetheless sceptical about financial support for Kyiv and its bid to join the EU.

Merz says he wants to 'join forces for strong, secure, united' Europe

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, has weighed in on the election result.

"The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success, dear @magyarpeterMP,” he writes on X.

“I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe. Gratulálok, kedves Magyar Péter!"

Full report: Hungary’s Peter Magyar wins victory in historic election

Opposition candidate Peter Magyar has claimed a historic victory in Hungary’s elections, ousting Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power.

The country took to the polls on Sunday in what Mr Magyar’s Tisza party called a “now or never” moment to topple Europe’s longest-serving leader.

Just two hours after polls closed, Mr Magyar posted on Facebook that Mr Orbán had “congratulated me on the phone on our victory”, with 45.7 per cent of the count predicting Tisza were projected to win 135 ⁠mandates ​in ⁠the 199-seat parliament.

Speaking to supporters in Budapest, Mr Orbán said the result was “painful” and vowed: "We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well."

Read our full report by Nicole Wootton-Cane and Holly Evans here:

Hungary’s Peter Magyar wins victory in historic election

Macron speaks with Magyar and hails victory for Europe

French president Emmanuel Macron is next up to react to the election in Hungary.

"I’ve just spoken with Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary!," he writes on X.

"France welcomes what has been a victory in terms of people taking part in the democratic process, and a victory which shows the attachment of the Hungarian people to the values of the European Union and for Hungary's role in Europe," he adds.

'Hungary has chosen Europe', says von der Leyen

European Commission president is the first of Europe’s leaders to react to the critical election result, which is set to reshape Budapest’s relations with the EU.

It’s a post full of dramatic pauses from the European Commission president, who is rejoicing in the victory of pro-EU Peter Magyar.

“Hungary has chosen Europe,” she writes. “Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.

“Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union becomes stronger.”

Hungary has chosen Europe.

Europe has always chosen Hungary.

A country reclaims its European path.

The Union grows stronger.

Magyarország Európát választotta.

Európa mindig Magyarországot választotta.

Egy ország visszatér az európai útjára.

Az Unió erősebbé válik.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 12, 2026

In pictures: Orban addresses supporters as he concedes defeat

Breaking: Orban concedes defeat in pivotal election

Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat in a speech to supporters in Budapest.

He said the election result is clear and painful for his party, Reuters is reporting.

Orban added that he had congratulated the winning party, and Fidesz woud serve Hungary from opposition.

It brings an end to 16 years in power - and spells a new era for relations between Budapest and the rest of Europe.

Breaking: Magyar says Orban congratulated him on election victory

Peter Magyar has said that Viktor Orban has congratulatedn the Tisza party on its election win.

“Prime Minister Viktor Orbán congratulated us on our victory over the phone,” Magyar wrote on Facebook.

The apparent concession came with less than half of the vote currently counted - but we’re still waiting for official confirmation from the prime minister’s office.

With 45.7 per cent of the votes counted the pro-EU opposition Tisza party is projected to win 132 of the 199 seats.

Full results will become clear later on Sunday evening.

Breaking: Opposition Tisza party projected 135 seats after 45.7% votes counted

Hungary's opposition Tisza party is projected to win 135 mandates in the 199-seat parliament, with 45.7 per cent of the votes counted so far.

This would mean a two-thirds majority, the national election office (NVI) said on Sunday.

Prime minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party would get 57 mandates based on the current standing.

'We always respect them' Orbán's chief of staff says of results

Earlier, we heard from Viktor Orbán's chief of staff Gergely Gulyas.

During the briefing, Gulyas was asked whether Fidesz would hand over power if it loses.

"We have lost an election before... We have always proceeded on the basis that the voters decided," he said.

"The question of whether we respect election results and the will of the voters does not arise in relation to us, because we always respect them."

It comes amid accusations by both sides of electoral fraud taking place on Sunday.

Voter fraud accusations launched by both sides as results begin to come in

Before any results even started coming in on Sunday evening, both sides started dishing out accusations of voter fraud.

Such accusations have been a common theme in previous Hungarian parliamentary elections - although in the 2022 election in which Viktor Orban won a landslide, international observers did not see evidence of fraud that would have altered the final result.

In his press conference after polls closed, opposition leader Peter Magyar lamented that the elections took place under a state that he said cannot guarantee electoral freedom for its citizens.

"We are talking here, of course, about election fraud in varying degrees, some of them serious. We are taking the necessary measures, complaints and as we predicted, we'll be filing charges,” he said.

"Anyone who committed or incited electoral fraud will be held accountable before the law."

Several senior figures on Viktor Orban’s side have also appeared to question the integrity of the electoral process.

Zoltan Kovacs, Orban’s spokesman, wrote on X that “reports are being filed over attempted election fraud linked to the Tisza party”, stating that there have been 639 cases of electoral violations.

Balazs Orban, the prime minister’s political director, also said there had been “a wave of reports on election fraud and aggressive actions linked to the Tisza party.”

Tisza projected to win 125 seats after 15% of vote counted

We can bring you some early results now, with 14.7 per cent of the votes so far counted.

Tisza is projected to win 125 seats so far, according to Reuters news agency. Reminder: the Hungarian parliament has 199 seats.

But it’s worth noting that it’s still very early doors, and the picture could change dramatically. We will need to wait a little longer for a clearer picture of how the results will play out.

Stay with us as we bring you coverage throughout the evening.

In pictures: Hungary prepares for crucial election results to roll in

High election turnout shows strong democracy, says Orban's chief of staff

We’ve got some more reaction to the record-high turnout in Hungary’s election today, this time from Viktor Orban’s office.

The turnout is the result of a huge mobilisation effort by the ruling party, and the vote was democratic, prime minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff told a briefing.

"We are glad that the next parliament will have this strong democratic mandate," Gergely Gulyas said, adding that he trusted that Fidesz would have a majority.

Watch: Polls close in Hungary after record-breaking election on whether to end Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule

Magyar declares optimism after polls close

We’ve heard from Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar, who says he is optimistic about the result of the election, after polls closed early on Sunday evening.

He says the high turnout - an increase to at least 77.8 per cent from 67.8 per cent in 2022 - is an indication that Hungarians considered this to be an important election.

Mr Magyar added that it indicates that more than 6 million people voted, declaring Hungarians had “made history” again.

Polls close as turnout increases significantly

Polls have now closed in the Hungarian election - and we’re expecting the first results to start coming in shortly.

As of 6:30pm local time, when there was still half an hour until polls closed, the voter turnout was at 77.8 per cent, the election committee has announced.

This marks a fairly large increase on the 67.8 per cent turnout in 2022.

Exactly what it means for the results, we’ll be finding out over the next few hours.

Two new pre-election polls predict win for opposition Tisza party

Two new polls, which were taken before the election took place and were published after polling booths closed, showed the centre-right Tisza party of Peter Magyar garnering 55-57 per cent support, ahead of Orban's nationalist Fidesz party.

These poll in particular, carried out by Median and 21 Research Centre, have a good record in Hungarian elections and are typically well respected.

The projected results would give Tisza 135 seats in the 199-member Hungarian legislature, pollster Median said. Pollster 21 Research Centre projected that Tisza could win 132 mandates.

Some of these last-minute polls - conducted before an election but only published after voting ends - have proven accurate in Hungary in the past. There are no exit polls for Sunday's election.

"We have seen the fresh polls and based on the turnout data and information that we received we are optimistic," Magyar told a briefing.

We’re expecting early results to start coming in within the next few hours.