Transatlantic Update: An Historic Sea Change in Hungary

This past April, Péter Magyar’s center-right TISZA Party won a landslide victory in Hungary’s national elections, securing 53 percent of the vote and a two-thirds constitutional majority. This historic win ended Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule and the FIDESZ party’s dominance over the country.

While over the last 20 years there have been many examples of countries becoming more authoritarian, very few have gone from democracy to authoritarianism—and then back to a system of government that promotes democracy, freedom of the press, and respect for human rights.

What does this new government in Hungary signify? The new Hungarian leadership’s political impact includes:

Democratic Restoration:

Magyar’s administration took office on May 12, 2026, shifting its focus immediately to dismantling the illiberal systems and patronage networks established by the Orbán administration. The new leadership is also actively working to pass constitutional reforms and to unlock frozen European Union funds.

Shift in Foreign Policy:

The Hungarian election represents a significant realignment in European and global politics with the new government expected to improve diplomatic relations with the EU and to distance Budapest from Moscow and the global far-right. Most importantly for the war with Russia, the new leadership will reverse the previous anti-Ukraine policy and are restoring EU funds for the country.

Broader Geopolitical Resonance:

The TISZA Party’s success—achieved despite state media control and an electoral system originally skewed in FIDESZ’s favor—is being closely studied by other international opposition movements as a blueprint for peacefully defeating entrenched autocratic incumbents and giving hope to democratic forces.

Prime Minister Magyar and his team have given many immense hope, but as with all new administrations, Hungary is entering another phase as its new government navigates a series of immediate and consequential decisions. These include: unlocking EU funds, removing Orban-era appointees, reforming media and state institutions, enacting term limits and generally running the government.

It’s a tall order, but this new team is up to the challenge.