Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
Katya Adler: Jubilation in Budapest will be felt in Europe but leaves Moscow cold
The Chain Bridge in Budapest, a symbol of the city’s historical divide, has long connected the historic Buda district with the lively Pest side across the Danube. On a typical evening, it’s a hub for tourists capturing moments in the glow of its lights. But this Sunday, the bridge sparkled with a different hue—green, white, and red, representing Hungary’s national flag. The shift marked a pivotal moment as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had ruled for 16 years, was ousted in an unexpected electoral upset.
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, celebrated his victory with fervor, claiming the people had reclaimed their nation. In a speech, he declared,
“We did it. We brought down the Orbán regime—gether we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!”
The triumph felt by his supporters was palpable, with crowds embracing a sense of collective achievement.
Voter turnout reached an all-time high, defying Orbán’s control over state media and his engineered electoral reforms. Despite his efforts to consolidate power, the Fidesz leader was decisively defeated. Early Monday morning, I observed first-time voters dancing in Budapest’s narrow alleys, their excitement tinged with disbelief. “I cried when I put the X on my ballot,” said Zofia. “I still can’t believe we did it. But we did!” Her group echoed the sentiment with shouts of “Russians Go home!”
The slogan, once a rallying cry for Orbán in 1989 during Hungary’s communist era, now served as a jab against his current alliance with Russia. Back then, he had urged Soviets to leave, a phrase that resonated during the 1956 uprising. Yet, over time, Orbán shifted his stance, embracing a rightward trajectory that mirrored his cozy ties with Putin. Critics seized on this during the election, reusing the slogan as a reminder of his perceived naivety.
Orbán’s exit is a significant blow to Putin, who had counted on the Hungarian leader as a key ally within the EU. Orbán had delayed sanctions against Russia and blocked a €90bn loan to Ukraine, undermining Kyiv’s efforts to fund its war. However, Zelensky swiftly acknowledged the change, tweeting,
“I look forward to constructive work together.”
Though understated, his remark underscored the symbolic victory for Europe.
Across the Atlantic, Trump’s reaction was more subdued. Hungary’s voters have removed his most steadfast European ally. Orbán, whom Trump once praised, even had his vice-president join a pro-Orbán rally during the Iran conflict. Both men shared admiration for Orbán’s Christian nationalist, anti-globalist vision. Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist, hailed him as a “hero.”
Yet, not all see Orbán’s downfall as definitive. While some analysts argue that populist nationalism in Europe has hit a ceiling, others remain cautious. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party, for instance, failed to meet expectations in French local elections, hinting at broader shifts in political sentiment. For now, the message from Budapest—though loud and clear—resonates most strongly in Europe’s heartlands.
