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Deutsche Tageszeitung - Europe reacts to Hungarian leader Orban's electoral defeat

Europe reacts to Hungarian leader Orban's electoral defeat

POLITICS 13.04.2026
Europe reacts to Hungarian leader Orban's electoral defeat
Europe reacts to Hungarian leader Orban's electoral defeat / Photo: © AFP

Viktor Orban, who has ruled Hungary as a self-described "thorn" in the European Union's side for 16 years, conceded defeat to conservative Peter Magyar in the country's parliamentary elections on Sunday.

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Here are the main reactions from Europe.

- France -

"France welcomes this victory for democratic participation, for the Hungarian people's commitment to the values of the European Union, and for Hungary in Europe," President Emmanuel Macron posted on X after speaking with Magyar.

French far-right National Rally party chief Jordan Bardella paid tribute to Orban, calling him a "great patriot".

- Germany -

"I am looking forward to working with you," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on social media.

"Let's join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe," he added.

- United Kingdom -

"This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy," Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X.

- Italy -

Though Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar on this "clear electoral victory", but also made a point of thanking her "friend Viktor Orban for intense collaboration" over the years.

- Spain -

"Today Europe wins and European values win," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X, congratulating Hungarian citizens on "historic elections".

- European Union -

"Hungary has chosen Europe," wrote Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission on X in English and Hungarian.

"Europe's heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight," she said.

- Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Magyar on his "resounding victory", pledging to work with the country's new leadership.

"We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe," Zelensky said in a post on X.

"The people of Hungary have delivered a clear and resolute 'no' to any attempts at pulling their country back into Moscow's orbit," said Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

- Estonia -

Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal welcomed "a historic choice for a free and strong Hungary in a united Europe, rejecting forces that ignore their interests".

- Ireland -

"I look forward to working with Prime Minister elect Magyar to strengthen bilateral relations between Ireland and Hungary based on our shared membership of the European Union and our commitment to shares values," said Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

- Croatia -

"I look forward to further strengthening cooperation between Croatia and Hungary, both bilaterally and at the European level," said Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic after a phone call with Magyar.

(V.Sørensen--DTZ)

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