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

Katya Adler: Budapest’s Celebration Marks a Shift for Europe, Yet Moscow Remains Unmoved

Budapest’s historic Chain Bridge, spanning the Danube and connecting the scenic Buda and lively Pest, was transformed into a symbol of change this Sunday. While it usually hosts tourist snapshots under its glowing lights, the bridge now displayed the Hungarian flag’s green, white, and red hues, reflecting the nation’s electoral triumph. The result marked the end of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure, a moment of collective euphoria for supporters of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party.

Magyar’s victory speech echoed the sentiment of a nation reclaiming its identity. “We did it,” he declared.

We brought down the Orbán regime— together we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!

The speech resonated with crowds, many of whom had never before cast a vote, dancing through the city’s alleys with a blend of optimism and disbelief. One voter, Zofia, shared her emotional experience: “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 political tactics, including reforms to the electoral system and the influence of his family in key positions, were widely criticized. Yet despite these efforts, he was decisively defeated. The election’s record-breaking turnout underscored the public’s demand for a new direction. His slogan, once a rallying cry in Hungary’s 1956 anti-communist revolt, now served as a rebuke. “Russians Go home!” became a chant, symbolizing the shift from his pro-Russian stance to a more European-aligned future.

For Vladimir Putin, Orbán’s downfall represents a significant setback. The Hungarian leader had long delayed sanctions against Russia and blocked a €90bn EU loan to Kyiv, hindering Ukraine’s war efforts. Zelensky swiftly praised Magyar’s victory, tweeting: “I look forward to constructive work together.” Though measured, the message signaled a realignment in Eastern Europe. In Brussels, Orbán was dubbed “the Obstructor,” a figure who strained the unity of the continent against Moscow, Beijing, and even the U.S.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Donald Trump viewed the outcome with muted approval. Orbán had been his staunchest ally in the EU, a relationship solidified during the Iran war when Trump’s vice-president joined a pro-Orbán rally. Both leaders admired Orbán’s Christian nationalist, anti-globalist ideology, with Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, calling him a “hero.” However, analysts caution against celebrating populist nationalism’s decline, noting that Magyar’s cautious approach may preserve Orbán’s policies in key areas.