What does Magyar's victory in Hungary mean?
Péter Magyar has won a resounding victory in the Hungarian parliamentary election, with his centre-right, pro-European Tisza party securing 138 of 199 seats. It can now govern unchallenged with a two-thirds majority. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had become increasingly authoritarian since taking power in 2010, has ceded defeat for his far-right populist Fidesz. Voter turnout was unusually high at 79.5 percent.
New hope for Europe
Dagens Nyheter is optimistic:
“The significance of Sunday's results for Europe cannot be overstated. Orbán's attack on the rule of law and democracy was also an attack on the very foundations of the EU. ... It takes time to restore the rule of law when it has been eroded and create a free media landscape. And there are certainly question marks surrounding Péter Magyar, whose roots are in the Fidesz party. He may not be Donald Tusk – who, since his election as Polish prime minister, has transformed the country from an ally of Budapest into a driving force behind EU cooperation. But what really matters is that he is not Viktor Orbán. Sunday's election result is hugely significant. The Hungarians have given Europe new hope.”
Moscow has failed in Budapest
Russia has lost its most loyal ally within the EU, notes Ukrainian MP Mykola Kniazhytskyi on Facebook:
“The Orbán government believed it could build a 'little Russia' inside Hungary with the help of Russian political strategists – but surprise, surprise, it has failed. Russia has lost its grip on Hungary: it will no longer be able to secure places for its oligarchs on sanctions exemption lists, buy off politicians with oil discounts, or obtain sensitive information from confidential sources.”
EU has no excuses anymore
La Stampa warns:
“The greatest risk for the EU now would be to believe that the danger has passed and the reactionary wave has subsided. ... Without Moscow's Trojan horse in Brussels it will no doubt be easier to adopt the twentieth package of sanctions against Russia and to release the 90-billion loan for Ukraine. Yet further steps towards securing the EU's strategic autonomy remain vital. After yesterday evening, European leaders can no longer hide behind the Hungarian veto to excuse their lack of action.”
Democracy alive and kicking
The Kurier underlines the importance of critical voices that refused to be silenced:
“In his 16 years in power Orbán was unable to completely smother the independent press and civil courage. This is what the election campaign shows. ... Hungary's critical media have proven their indomitability and their sense of responsibility under the most adverse conditions. ... Orbán was not able to silence the critical public sphere, quite the opposite in fact. It is so strong that even Magyar is reluctant to talk to the independent press. Hungary's democracy has seldom been more alive than it is today.”
The allure of power
The sweeping election victory also carries risks, hvg warns:
“Péter Magyar can now govern with the backing of a larger parliamentary group than Orbán had behind him. Secured by a two-thirds majority, his mandate allows for a change of system without restrictions. ... Will Péter Magyar be able to resist the allure of power? This is what he promised on Sunday evening, high on victory. But will he succeed in creating and upholding checks and balances that tie his hands when he runs into difficulties? The changing world order will present the next cabinet with unprecedented challenges, not to mention the plundered state coffers, the unsustainable benefit system for government lackeys and people's impossibly high expectations.”
Babiš and Fico feeling the pinch
The election outcome in Hungary will come as a blow to Orbán's comrades in neighbouring countries, Respekt notes:
“All those who oppose authoritarian tendencies in Western and Central Europe have fresh wind in their sails. Magyar is no saviour and his position will without doubt diverge from Western Europe's on many issues. But he has also achieved the seemingly impossible feat of toppling the authoritarian Viktor Orbán. This message is now being trumpeted across Europe and all those who are pushing to return to the past will not be able to ignore it. There's a lot of concerned frowning going on in the Czech government. And in neighbouring Slovakia full-blown panic will have broken out in government circles.”