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

Katya Adler: Budapest’s Triumph Echoes Across Europe, Yet Fails to Warm Moscow

The Chain Bridge in Budapest, a symbol of unity between the city’s historic Buda district and its bustling Pest counterpart, typically sparkles with the glow of evening lights reflected in the Danube. On this Sunday, however, the bridge was bathed in green, white, and red—Hungary’s national colors—marking a decisive political shift. For the first time in 16 years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was swept from power, a moment that ignited celebration among supporters of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party.

A Nation’s Reckoning

Magyar’s victory speech carried an air of triumph, resonating with those who saw it as a rebirth of Hungarian identity. “We did it,” he proclaimed. “We shattered the Orbán regime—collectively, we’ve freed Hungary. We’ve reclaimed our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!” His words, echoing through the streets, underscored a collective sense of historical significance. The election saw an unprecedented surge in participation, challenging Orbán’s long-standing dominance over state media and his electoral reforms.

“I cried when I marked my ballot,” shared Zofia, a first-time voter. “I still can’t believe we succeeded. But we did!”

As the crowd erupted in chants of “Russians Go Home!”, the slogan—once a rallying cry in Hungary’s 1956 anti-communist revolt—now symbolized a reversal of fortunes for Orbán. He had championed this phrase in 1989, during the collapse of Soviet rule, but its revival in 2024 highlighted his evolving political stance. Over the years, Orbán had shifted toward authoritarianism, forging a close alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critics now wielded his past rhetoric as a weapon, accusing him of prioritizing Moscow’s interests over European unity.

Consequences for Moscow and the West

The fall of Orbán marks a notable blow for Putin, who had counted on the Hungarian leader as a steadfast ally within the EU. Orbán’s hesitancy to impose sanctions on Russia during its invasion of Ukraine and his obstruction of a €90bn loan to Kyiv had bolstered Moscow’s influence. Yet, Zelensky’s prompt congratulations on Sunday night—“Looking forward to constructive work”—signaled a new chapter. While not overly effusive, the Ukrainian leader recognized the challenge of winning over Hungarians, many of whom feared Russia’s encroachment.

Magyar, now in power, faces the delicate task of balancing reform with stability. He has pledged to remove barriers to the EU loan, but may hesitate to reverse Orbán’s decision on military aid to Ukraine, mindful of public sentiment. Meanwhile, in Washington, Trump’s reaction was muted. The former president had relied on Orbán as a key figure in the Christian nationalist, anti-globalist movement, a relationship now tested by the election’s outcome.

A Pivotal Moment for European Democracy

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the result as a milestone for European democracy, while Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s head, declared Hungary had chosen its European path. Analysts suggest the shift could signal a plateau in populist movements, but Katya Adler remains skeptical. Orbán’s ousting reflects a broader realignment, yet his legacy as a faultline in European unity persists, even as the new era begins.