Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat in the country’s elections, bringing an end to his 16-year tenure as one of President Donald Trump’s closest European allies.
Orbán’s Fidesz party has been defeated by the opposition party Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, which is projected to win a two-thirds majority in the 199-seat parliament.
The election result is a significant blow to Orbán’s efforts to secure a fifth consecutive term as Hungary’s prime minister.
With 53.45% of votes counted, Tisza is leading with 136 seats, compared to 56 for Fidesz-KDNP and 7 for Mi Hazánk Mozgalom.
In a phone call to Péter Magyar, Orbán congratulated the opposition leader on his victory, saying “The election results are not final yet, but the situation is understandable and clear”.
Orbán acknowledged the defeat, stating “The election result is painful for us, but clear” at the Fidesz campaign offices.
He thanked supporters and vowed to rebuild from the opposition, saying “We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well”.
The defeat marks a significant shift in Hungarian politics, with Tisza campaigning on a platform of anti-corruption, institutional reforms, and resetting governance after over a decade of Orbán’s dominance.