Original article: Contundente derrota del amigo de Kast en Hungría: Ultraderechista Viktor Orbán pierde las elecciones y pone fin a 16 años de autoritarismo
The Fall of Orbán: Hungary Grants a Supermajority to Magyar, Ending 16 Years of Ultraconservatism
The ultraconservative leader Viktor Orbán, a prominent figure in the global far-right movement, has lost the general elections in Hungary after 16 years of a regime sustained by supermajorities. The historic election day saw a voter turnout of 77.8%—the highest since the transition to democracy—signifying a dramatic shift in the country, as reported by ElDiario.es.
According to the official projections from the National Election Office, with 72% of votes counted, the Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, has secured 138 seats, five above the qualified two-thirds majority of 133, while Fidesz is projected to retain 55 seats.
“I feel like crying,” shared Linda, a voter quoted by the media, reflecting the joy of a day that restores hope for the opposition. In his concession speech, Orbán stated: “The task ahead of us is clear: we are not overwhelmed by the burden of government; we must strengthen the community. Two and a half million voters have placed their trust in us, and we will never let them down.” Magyar also confirmed that Orbán had called to congratulate him, dispelling any doubts about a potential contestation of the results. “It seems this inhumane party will lose, and Hungary will be free again,” added the Tisza leader.
The magnitude of this victory is vital as Orbán’s regime was built upon that supermajority, which enabled 15 constitutional reforms and control over the judiciary and media. Carsten Schneider, a political scientist and rector at the Central European University—persecuted and closed by Orbán in 2017—explained: “The political system created in Hungary has many elements foreign to electoral politics. Decisions are made outside Parliament. Orbán can govern by decree, and he does so even with a supermajority.” Magyar needed 133 seats to dismantle that framework; official data grants him five extra, as highlighted by ElDiario.es.
As the square in front of Parliament filled with jubilation, agencies indicated the world was witnessing the end of an era. Orbán, who during his tenure declared a state of danger due to the war in Ukraine to advance his agenda unfettered, has been defeated at the polls. Close sources to Tisza anticipated the qualified majority from the start of the night. “It is the record participation since the transition to democracy. Thank you all, regardless of who you voted for,” stressed Magyar, finalizing a night that rewrites Hungary’s political history.
Donald Trump generated unwavering support for Viktor Orbán, even sending the U.S. Vice President to back him in person. “It was an honor to SUPPORT Viktor for his re-election in 2022, and I am honored to do it again. Viktor Orbán is a true friend, a fighter, and a WINNER. He has my full support for his re-election as Prime Minister of Hungary,” Trump had posted.
Orbán and His Ties to José Antonio Kast
Upon being elected, one of José Antonio Kast’s first actions was to meet with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the Carmelite Monastery, the current seat of the Hungarian government.
After the meeting with Orbán, Kast remarked that “these pre-government tours are important because they foster relationships between different governments, among the individuals who lead these governments, and facilitate the establishment of various treaties or agreements to improve the living quality of our compatriots.”
