Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Katya Adler: Budapest’s Joy Resonates Across Europe, Igniting Coldness in Moscow
The Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest’s duality, connects the serene Buda district with the energetic Pest borough over the Danube. Its nighttime glow, usually a backdrop for tourist snapshots, transformed into a canvas of green, white, and red on a Sunday following a pivotal electoral shift. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had governed for 16 years, was ousted in an event that marked a new chapter for Hungary.
Supporters of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party celebrated the outcome, feeling a sense of reclaiming their nation. In his victory address, Magyar expressed triumph, declaring, “We did it. We brought down the Orbán regime—gether we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!” The atmosphere buzzed with the belief that history was being rewritten.
“I cried when I put the X on my ballot paper,” Zofia shared. “I still can’t quite believe we did it. But we did!”
Despite Orbán’s dominance over state media and his modifications to the electoral system to bolster his party, the results were decisive. The Fidesz leader faced a resounding defeat, with first-time voters reveling in the early hours of Monday, dancing through the city’s alleys, embodying a blend of hope and disbelief. Critics highlighted his alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a relationship that had drawn ire during the campaign.
The ousting of Orbán represents a setback for Putin, who relied on Hungary as an EU ally. Orbán had stalled sanction packages post-Ukraine’s invasion and obstructed a €90bn loan to Kyiv, a move Zelensky acknowledged with a terse message on X: “I look forward to constructive work together.” While not overly enthusiastic, Zelensky recognized the challenge of securing Hungarian support for Ukraine’s cause.
Orbán’s political evolution from a 1989 anti-communist voice to an authoritarian figure created a paradox. His rallying cry of “Russians Go Home!” once echoed during Hungary’s 1956 rebellion, now cast as a reminder of his pro-Russian stance. This shift strained his relationship with European unity, positioning him as a barrier against Moscow’s influence.
Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump likely felt the loss of his European ally. Orbán’s vice-president had been sent to Budapest during the Iran conflict to endorse his policies. Both leaders admired Orbán’s role in shaping the Christian nationalist, anti-globalist right, with Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, labeling him a “hero.”
While some analysts suggest Orbán’s fall signals a peak for populist movements, others remain cautious. His legacy as a disruptor in Brussels—nicknamed “the Obstructor”—cast a shadow over European solidarity against global powers. The historic result, however, has sparked optimism for the future of democratic governance in the region.
