EVP leader Manfred Weber (CSU) stated that Péter Magyar, the opposition leader in Hungary, had called him by phone to congratulate him on the election victory. Weber suggested that the election results in Hungary signal a rejection of far-right populism across Europe. According to Weber, “In Europe, the far-right populists are losing their representative figure tonight. Civic, pro-European politics wins elections. This is the signal of this historic election night”.
He added that the Hungarian voters opted for a party that focuses on their specific concerns and offers solutions, naming these issues as healthcare, education, secure jobs, and higher wages. Weber, whose faction in the EU Parliament is where Magyar is currently seated, expressed pride, stating, “I am proud of Péter Magyar. The anti-European Orbán course has failed”. He claimed that Orbán’s policies have “made the Hungarians poorer” concluding that populists are incapable of delivering.
As of the reporting, the votes are still being counted. Preliminary estimates from the national election office show that Magyar’s party, Tisza, is significantly ahead, suggesting that Orbán may have lost his position after 16 years in power. At a counting point of 81.49 percent of the votes, Tisza is estimated to secure 137 of the 199 seats, granting the newly represented party a two-thirds majority capable of constitutional amendments.
Orbán’s party, Fidesz, which previously gained 135 seats alongside the coalition partner KDNP in the last election, is expected to lose significantly, dropping to 55 members of parliament. Mi Hazánk Mozgalom is estimated to secure 7 seats.
The distribution of seats in the Hungarian Parliament is structured such that 106 of the 199 seats are awarded by simple majority to direct candidates in single constituencies based on first votes. For the remaining 93 mandates, all votes are considered, including list votes, the votes received by the runners-up candidates, and the votes margin between the constituency winner and the respective second-placed candidate.
