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2mo ago

Magyar’s Tisza Wins Two-Thirds in Hungary, Ending Orbán’s 16-Year Rule

The supermajority sets up rapid rule-of-law reforms that could reopen frozen EU funds once delivered.

Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, waves a Hungarian flag as he celebrates, after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceded defeat in the parliamentary election, in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
A drone view shows people gathering to celebrate across the River Danube from the Parliament building, following the partial results of the parliamentary election, in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026.
A drone view shows people gathering to celebrate across the River Danube from the Parliament building, following the partial results of the parliamentary election, in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Overview

  • Tisza secured about 138 of 199 seats, which officials confirmed Monday, and Viktor Orbán conceded Sunday after projections showed a landslide.
  • Magyar said Monday he will pause state TV and radio news until impartial rules are in place, recommit Hungary to the International Criminal Court, and pressed senior Orbán-era appointees to step down.
  • Hungary’s forint hit a more than four-year high and Budapest stocks rose nearly 3% Monday on hopes of EU cash, though EU diplomats and rating firms said money will follow only after verifiable judicial and anti-corruption changes.
  • The new leader pledged closer ties with the EU and NATO and backed Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Germany predicted smoother EU decisions and the Kremlin said it would maintain pragmatic ties.
  • The upset drew on record early turnout and a 2024 pardon scandal that vaulted Magyar from Fidesz insider to anti-corruption rival, and the two-thirds share lets him change the constitution in Hungary’s 199-seat system of 106 districts and 93 party-list seats.