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

Katya Adler: Budapest’s Electoral Shift Sparks European Hope Amid Moscow’s Indifference

A Historic Night on the Danube

The Danube River divides Budapest, separating the historic Buda district from the bustling Pest side. The iconic Chain Bridge, usually a backdrop for tourist snapshots, gleamed with a different light this Sunday. Its illumination in green, white, and red—Hungary’s national colors—signaled a pivotal moment. After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s leadership, the bridge became a symbol of change as the Tisza party’s Péter Magyar celebrated a decisive victory.

Hope and Incredulity in the Streets

Magyar’s supporters, buoyed by the election results, expressed a renewed sense of ownership over Hungary. In his speech, he declared,

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

The atmosphere was electric, with crowds of first-time voters dancing through Budapest’s alleys, their emotions a blend of exhilaration and disbelief. Zofia, one such voter, shared her feelings:

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

A Slogan Reclaimed and Reflected

Orbán’s ousting marks a full-circle moment for the former prime minister. In 1989, he famously urged Russians to leave Hungary during the Soviet Union’s collapse. That phrase resurfaced in 1956 amid the country’s anti-communist revolt. Yet, over time, Orbán shifted his stance, embracing a more right-leaning, authoritarian approach. Critics now wield his youthful slogan against him, highlighting his enduring ties to Vladimir Putin.

Implications for Moscow and Beyond

Orbán’s downfall is a setback for Putin, who relied on the Hungarian leader as a key ally within the EU. Orbán had stalled sanction packages post-Ukraine’s invasion and blocked a €90bn loan to Kyiv, a move Zelensky acknowledged with a message on X:

“I look forward to constructive work together.”

While understated, the Ukrainian leader recognized Hungary’s newfound alignment with Europe. Meanwhile, Trump’s reaction was muted, as his European ally fell from power.

A Changing Political Landscape

Magyar’s victory reflects a broader shift in European politics. Despite Orbán’s efforts to maintain control through media manipulation and electoral reforms, his influence waned. In Brussels, he was dubbed “the Obstructor,” but his role as a buffer against Moscow’s reach was now diminished. Starmer hailed the event as a milestone for European democracy, while von der Leyen emphasized Hungary’s renewed commitment to the continent.

Populist Nationalism’s Uncertain Future

Some analysts argue Orbán’s loss signals a plateau for populist nationalism in Europe. However, Magyar’s approach may not mirror Orbán’s. He has pledged to ease restrictions on the €90bn loan, though he likely retains Orbán’s stance on military aid to Ukraine. The question remains: will this shift reshape the continent’s political alliances or merely mark a temporary realignment?