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

Katya Adler: Budapest’s Celebration Echoes Across Europe, Yet Fails to Warm Moscow

The Chain Bridge in Budapest, a symbol of the city’s historical divide between the scenic Buda and the bustling Pest, has long been a hub for tourists. Its lights, reflecting off the Danube, create a magical glow at night. But on this Sunday, the bridge served a different purpose. It was illuminated in green, white, and red—a bold declaration of change as Hungarian voters delivered a historic verdict.

A New Era for Hungary

After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s leadership, the election results signaled a dramatic shift. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, which emerged victorious, was celebrated by supporters who felt they had reclaimed their nation. In his speech, Magyar expressed pride in the outcome, stating,

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

The victory was met with jubilant crowds, many of whom were first-time voters. In the early hours of Monday, they danced through Budapest’s alleys, embodying a mix of excitement and disbelief. Zofia, one of the revelers, shared her emotion:

“I cried when I put the X on my ballot paper. I still can’t quite believe we did it. But we did!”

Orbán’s Legacy and the Slogan’s Return

Orbán’s downfall marks a full-circle moment. Once a vocal advocate for Russian withdrawal during Hungary’s communist era, his youthful slogan “Russians Go home!” now echoes as a criticism of his alliance with Putin. The phrase resurfaced during the 1956 anti-communist uprising and again in 1989, but its meaning has shifted. Today, it’s a rallying cry against Orbán’s pro-Russian stance, which critics argue has undermined Hungary’s independence.

Despite his control over state media and his reforms to favor Fidesz, Orbán faced a decisive defeat. His influence over the electoral system and his family’s grip on power couldn’t prevent the tide from turning. The record voter turnout underscored the significance of this moment, with many Hungarians expressing relief at the end of his rule.

Europe’s Response and the Cost to Moscow

Orbán’s departure has been hailed as a milestone for European democracy. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it an “historic moment,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Hungary had “chosen Europe.” For Russia, however, the loss is palpable. Orbán had long acted as a bulwark against Western sanctions and was instrumental in delaying aid to Ukraine. His exit leaves a void in Moscow’s strategic influence over the EU.

Zelensky, Ukraine’s leader, swiftly welcomed the news, tweeting about the potential for “constructive work” with Magyar. Meanwhile, in Washington, Trump’s reaction was more subdued. The former president’s closest European ally has now been replaced, a blow to his influence. Orbán’s supporters, including Trump’s vice-president, had previously championed his policies, even during the Iran war.

A Shift in the European Political Landscape

Magyar’s triumph may not immediately reverse Orbán’s policies, particularly his reluctance to send military aid to Ukraine. However, he has pledged to ease restrictions on the €90bn loan to Kyiv, a move that could strengthen EU unity. Analysts suggest this marks a plateau for populist nationalism in Europe, but Katya Adler remains cautious. While figures like Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party struggled in local elections, Orbán’s fate highlights the evolving dynamics of the continent.

Orbán’s rise from a communist-era reformer to a right-wing authoritarian figure has reshaped Hungary’s role in Europe. His embrace of Christian nationalism and “anti-globalist” rhetoric contrasted sharply with his current critics, who view him as a barrier to European solidarity. Steve Bannon, a key architect of populist movements, once called Orbán a “hero,” underscoring the ideological complexity of his legacy.