Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
The Bridge of Change
Budapest’s Chain Bridge, a symbol of the city’s duality, connects the historic Buda district with the modern Pest. Typically, it draws crowds of tourists for evening photos, but on Sunday, its lights glowed in the Hungarian flag’s green, white, and red hues. The celebration was not for the usual reasons—this time, it marked a seismic political shift.
A People’s Victory
Péter Magyar’s Tisza party secured an unexpected win, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year grip on power. Supporters gathered on the bridge, echoing a sense of liberation. In his speech, Magyar declared, “We made it happen. We overthrew the Orbán regime—uniting to free Hungary. We reclaimed our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!”
Record voter turnout underscored the significance of the moment. Despite Orbán’s control over state media and his reformed electoral system, which tilted in his favor, the Fidesz leader faced a resounding defeat. Crowds of first-time voters danced through the city’s narrow alleys, their voices carrying disbelief and optimism.
“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!”
A Slogan Revisited
Orbán’s ousting reignited a phrase he once championed in 1989, during Hungary’s post-Soviet era. “Russians Go home!” had been a rallying cry for anti-communist fervor, echoing through the streets during the 1956 uprising. Yet, over time, Orbán’s political stance shifted, aligning with Putin and adopting a more authoritarian approach. Critics now used the same slogan to mock his closeness to Moscow.
For Putin, the loss of Orbán as an EU ally is a strategic setback. The Hungarian leader had delayed sanction packages and obstructed a €90bn loan to Kyiv, shielding Russia’s interests. However, Zelensky swiftly recognized the victory, tweeting that he anticipated “collaborative efforts” with Magyar. While his tone was measured, it signaled a turning point in Hungary’s alignment with European priorities.
Europe’s Mixed Reactions
Across Brussels, leaders hailed the result as a triumph for democratic values. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it a pivotal moment for European unity, while Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission stated Hungary had chosen Europe. In contrast, Washington’s response was muted. Trump, who had long supported Orbán, now faces a weakened position in the continent.
Orbán’s departure has left a void in the EU’s anti-s sanction coalition. His campaign had warned voters that only he could protect them from the war in Ukraine, preventing it from spilling into Hungary. Magyar, however, may adopt a cautious stance, avoiding a complete reversal of Orbán’s policies to maintain support among the public.
The Populist Paradox
While some analysts see Magyar’s win as the peak of European populist nationalism, others remain skeptical. Orbán, once a beacon of the Christian nationalist right, had been a key figure in the “anti-globalist” movement. Steve Bannon, a vocal advocate of such ideologies, still viewed him as a hero. Yet, the election suggests that public sentiment may be evolving, even within the broader right-wing landscape.
As Budapest’s lights flickered in celebration, the implications rippled beyond the Danube. The shift in Hungary’s direction could reshape alliances and priorities across the continent, leaving Moscow to ponder its diminished influence in the region.