Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold

The Chain Bridge in Budapest, a historic landmark spanning the Danube, connects Buda and Pest, two distinct halves of the city. Its usual role as a backdrop for tourist snapshots was transformed on Sunday, as the election results unfolded. Instead of the usual celebration of selfies, the bridge was illuminated in green, white, and red—a nod to the Hungarian flag—marking a pivotal shift in political fortunes.

A New Dawn for Hungary

Supporters of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party gathered in triumph, claiming they had reclaimed their nation. The victory speech from Magyar echoed this sentiment, declaring,

“We did it,” he said. “We brought down the Orbán regime— together we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!”

The event carried a weight of historical significance, with voter turnout reaching unprecedented levels.

Despite Orbán’s dominance over state media and his electoral reforms favoring Fidesz, the public’s resolve proved stronger. His influence, though vast, was eclipsed by the electorate’s demand for change. Early Monday morning, I observed first-time voters celebrating in Budapest’s alleys, their spirits buoyed by a blend of hope and disbelief.

A Slogan Revisited

Orbán’s downfall marks a striking reversal. In 1989, he championed the “Russians Go Home” slogan during Hungary’s anti-communist uprising, a phrase that resurfaces now as critics rebuke his pro-Putin alignment. This rallying cry, once a symbol of defiance against Soviet rule, now reflects the irony of his political trajectory.

The phrase first gained traction during Hungary’s 1956 rebellion against communist regimes. Over the years, Orbán shifted from his youthful opposition to Russia, embracing a more rightward path with an authoritarian edge. His 16-year rule, labeled “illiberal democracy,” saw him entrenching close ties with Vladimir Putin, a relationship now challenged by his electoral defeat.

Putin faces a notable setback, as Orbán had long served as a key ally within the EU. His efforts to delay sanctions against Russia and block a €90bn loan to Kyiv were seen as strategic support for Moscow. However, Zelensky swiftly acknowledged the win, writing on X, “I look forward to constructive work” with Magyar. Though not overly effusive, this gesture highlights the symbolic importance of Hungary’s choice.

Geopolitical Shifts

While many European leaders remain indifferent to Orbán’s exit, the implications ripple across the continent. In Brussels, he was dubbed “the Obstructor,” representing a divide in the bloc’s stance against Moscow, Beijing, and even the US. Starmer called it a historic moment for European democracy, while von der Leyen asserted that Hungary had embraced its European identity.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Trump’s reaction was less enthusiastic. The loss of Orbán, his closest European ally, removes a key supporter in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump had repeatedly endorsed Orbán, even dispatching his vice-president to Budapest during the Iran war to join a pro-Orbán rally. Both men admire Orbán as a leader of the Christian nationalist, “anti-globalist” right, a legacy now questioned by the election outcome.

Analysts suggest Orbán’s ousting signals a plateau for populist nationalism in Europe. Yet, while Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party fell short of expectations in French local elections, the broader trend of right-wing movements remains a subject of debate. The result in Hungary underscores the dynamic nature of European politics, where jubilation in one city may not yet resonate in another.