Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Budapest’s Chain Bridge, a symbol of unity between the city’s historic Buda and modern Pest districts, typically shines with tourist snapshots under its glowing lights. On Sunday, however, the bridge’s illumination took on a new hue—green, white, and red—marking a pivotal shift in Hungarian politics. The colors echoed the national flag as the country’s first-time voters celebrated a seismic change in power.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure came to an end in an unexpected turn of events. His successor, Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, captured the public’s imagination with a triumphant message. “We did it,” Magyar declared during his victory speech. “We brought down the Orbán regime—gether we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!”
“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!”
Voter turnout shattered records, a testament to the nation’s polarized climate. Despite Orbán’s control over state media and his electoral reforms, which leaned toward his party’s interests, the results were undeniable. Critics accused him of aligning too closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a relationship that now faces scrutiny.
The phrase “Russians Go Home!” resurfaced in Budapest’s streets, a reminder of Orbán’s past. In 1989, he championed this slogan during Hungary’s transition from communism, invoking it in a fervent speech as the Soviet Union collapsed. The same rallying cry, once a symbol of anti-communist fervor, now targets his ties with Moscow.
Zelensky’s response to the victory was measured but meaningful. On Sunday night, he tweeted about the “constructive work” ahead with Hungary, recognizing the country’s growing independence from Russian influence. Meanwhile, in Washington, Donald Trump remained notably subdued, having lost a key European ally with Orbán’s exit.
Orbán’s downfall signals a broader shift. For years, he was seen as Europe’s bulwark against expansionist threats, but his policies have drawn criticism. Now, Magyar aims to balance his new role, promising to support EU initiatives while avoiding abrupt reversals of Orbán’s decisions.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, hailed the outcome as a milestone for democratic values. Yet, the road ahead remains uncertain, with analysts debating whether populist nationalism has reached its peak or simply evolved.
