‘A truly historic moment’: BBC reports from Hungary as Viktor Orbán concedes election
A Truly Historic Moment: Hungary’s Prime Minister Concedes Election Defeat
After 16 years of leadership, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has officially accepted his electoral loss, paving the way for a sweeping victory by the opposition. Péter Magyar, the leader of the winning party, is set to become the country’s next prime minister as the election results underscore a significant shift in political power. With two-thirds of the ballots tallied, Magyar’s coalition appears poised to secure a commanding majority in parliament, marking a pivotal moment for Hungary and its European allies.
Global News Highlights
The BBC’s Rajini Vaidyanathan is broadcasting from outside the Hungarian parliament, where crowds are gathering to hear the prime minister’s announcement. Meanwhile, in the Vatican, the Harlem Globetrotters performed for the pope, demonstrating their signature basketball skills by spinning the ball on his fingertip. In Italy, a new €2 fee has been introduced for visiting the iconic fountain in Rome, altering access to its viewing area.
“Life has been a ‘living nightmare’ since,” said the mother of a 16-year-old girl who was tragically killed by a scrambler, reflecting on the aftermath of the incident.
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has expressed regret over her ties to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a regrettable chapter. Elsewhere, a commercial flight from Dubai arrived in Dublin on Wednesday night, the first such landing in days following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Video from Italy’s fire brigade showcased a wolf’s rescue from under a bridge, highlighting the team’s efforts.
Regional Developments
In Germany, the collapse of a decommissioned power plant’s cooling tower drew onlookers’ attention. Ukraine’s capital residents are finding small joys amid the challenges of Russian attacks and freezing temperatures, despite power outages. Over 1,000 people have been evacuated from an Italian island due to recent storms, which have caused widespread flooding in Spain, displacing thousands.
“It is ‘inconceivable’ that the man I shared my life with ‘could have committed these horrors,’” Ms Pelicot stated, addressing the aftermath of a tragic event.
Jessica and Jacques Moretti face criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence. Russia’s editor Steve Rosenberg reported from the outskirts of Moscow, where Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was wounded in an attack. In Oslo, the BBC’s Paul Kirby covered a trial where Marius Borg Høiby denies rape and other serious accusations.
Additional Updates
Crowds in Rome gathered for the funeral of renowned fashion designer Valentino, who passed away at 93. Meanwhile, Nazar Daletskyi’s relatives were informed of his death in 2022, the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. A town in northern Italy celebrated its carnival with the annual Battle of the Oranges, a tradition of playful fruit-throwing.
