{"id":352,"date":"2026-04-13T05:23:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T05:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/?p=352"},"modified":"2026-04-13T05:23:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T05:23:01","slug":"in-their-words-how-leaders-reacted-to-viktor-orbans-defeat-in-hungarys-election-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/?p=352","title":{"rendered":"In their words: How leaders reacted to Viktor Orb\u00e1n\u2019s defeat in Hungary\u2019s election"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center, addresses after a parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)<\/small><\/p>\n

2026-04-13T04:10:10Z<\/p>\n

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) \u2014 Hungary\u2019s Viktor Orb\u00e1n had such an outsize global influence that his crushing electoral defeat<\/a><\/span> is resounding far and wide.<\/p>\n

During his 16 years in power, admirers emulated Orb\u00e1n\u2019s playbook for reshaping political institutions to his advantage and squeezing minority rights and media freedoms, and viewed him as a defender of national sovereignty in the face of globalization and migration. <\/p>\n

To his detractors, he was a threat to European democracy and the continent\u2019s hard-fought values of human rights and rule of law.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Hungarian voters decided it was time to turn the page and overwhelmingly favored challenger P\u00e9ter Magyar<\/a><\/span> in Sunday\u2019s election. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how global leaders reacted, in their own words.<\/p>\n

Ukraine has a lot at stake<\/h2>\n

Orb\u00e1n\u2019s was the Kremlin\u2019s strongest ally in the European Union and repeatedly blocked aid for Ukraine to fend off Russia\u2019s invasion. <\/p>\n

After Magyar\u2019s election win, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly reached out in hopes of support.<\/p>\n

\u2018\u2019It 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,\u2019’ he posted on social media. <\/p>\n

\u2018\u2019We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,\u2019’ Zelenskyy said.<\/p>\n

For the EU, a sigh of relief<\/h2>\n

Orb\u00e1n was especially and constantly critical of the EU, even though his country enjoys billions in funding from the bloc.<\/p>\n

Within minutes of his concession speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a frequent target of Orb\u00e1n\u2019s pronouncements, posted on X: \u201cEurope\u2019s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Europe\u2019s biggest powers also jumped in.<\/p>\n

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it \u201can 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n