Tusk says Hungary vote deals blow to authoritarian rule

Hungary’s election has delivered a sharp political jolt across Europe, and Polish Prime Minister ⁠Donald Tusk said the result shows the continent is not destined to slide toward authoritarianism after the centre-right Tisza party broke Viktor Orban’s 16-year hold on power.

“Everyone feared there was a trend toward authoritarian, corrupt regimes,” Mr Tusk said during an official visit to South Korea, according to Polish state-owned news agency PAP.

“That’s not the case. First ‌Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chisinau, ⁠now Budapest.”

In 2025, centrist Nicusor Dan won a presidential election in Romania, while Moldova’s pro-European ruling party secured a decisive victory over its Russia-aligned rival.

“I’m glad that this part of Europe is showing that ⁠we are not doomed to corrupt and authoritarian ‌governments, because that’s what Victor Orban’s government unfortunately became ⁠after many years ‌in power.”

Poland and Hungary, neighbouring countries with a long shared history, are also bound by strong trade links and cooperation inside the European Union and ⁠NATO.

Supporters erupted as Peter Magyar addressed a victory rally in Budapest

Mr Tusk said he had already spoken with Tisza leader Peter ⁠Magyar to congratulate him on the win.

“We briefly discussed his visit to Warsaw,” Mr Tusk said.

“As you know, he long ago chose Warsaw as his first visit for quite obvious reasons. I think our relationship will ‌be absolutely exceptional.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis also offered congratulations to Mr Magyar after his election victory over their ally, Mr Orban.

Mr Fico said on Facebook he was “ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian prime minister,” and also expressed his “gratitude” to the ousted Mr Orban.

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Mr Babis said Mr Magyar “must not disappoint”, while pledging to “always work constructively with whoever voters choose”.

Record turnout yesterday highlighted just how many Hungarians viewed the vote as a turning point for the country.

“We have done it. Tisza and Hungary have won this election,” Mr Magyar told tens of thousands of supporters dancing and cheering along the Danube embankment in central Budapest.

Many in the crowd held candles as loudspeakers played Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and Mr Magyar made his way to the stage.

“Together, we have replaced Orban’s system and together we liberated Hungary, we have reclaimed our country,” he ‌said.

Throughout the campaign, Mr Magyar framed the contest as a choice between “East ⁠and West”, warning voters that MrOrban’s combative approach toward Brussels would push Hungary further from Europe’s political mainstream.

Mr Orban, for his part, argued that Tisza would pull Hungary into an unwanted war with Russia, an accusation Mr Magyar rejected.

“The election result is painful for us, but clear,” Mr Orban said at the Fidesz campaign offices.

Outside, some supporters watching his remarks on TV screens broke down in tears.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he looked forward to working with Mr Magyar “to strengthen bilateral relations between Ireland and Hungary”.

I wish to congratulate Péter Magyar and his Tisza party on winning the parliamentary elections in Hungary.

I look forward to working with Prime Minister elect Magyar to strengthen bilateral relations between Ireland and Hungary. pic.twitter.com/5U8cfJISjf

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 12, 2026

Tánaiste Simon Harris also congratulated Mr Magyar, saying “Hungary is back at the heart of Europe”.

Congratulations @magyarpeterMP on the election result in Hungary tonight.

As fellow members of the @epp, I look forward to continuing our shared work for a strong, united, and democratic Europe.

Hungary is back at the heart of Europe

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 12, 2026

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Mr Magyar’s victory marked a “heavy defeat” for “right-wing populism”.

“Hungary has sent a very clear signal against right-wing populism across the whole world. In that respect, yesterday was… a good day,” Mr Merz said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee congratulated Mr Magyar and said Ireland is “keen to strengthen relations and support Hungary’s place in the EU”.

Congrats to the Hungarian people on a strong turnout, and to @magyarpeterMP & Tisza on their win. As we mark 50 years of diplomatic ties and look ahead to Ireland’s EU Presidency, we’re keen to strengthen relations and support Hungary’s place in the EU.

— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) April 12, 2026