Opposition Sweeps to Supermajority as Orbán’s 16‑Year Rule Ends in Hungary

Orbán served as prime minister continuously since 2010, overseeing a period marked by democratic backsliding, media consolidation, and close ties with Russia and China. Public frustration grew over corruption allegations, patronage networks, and restrictive social policies. The April 12 parliamentary election was the first nationwide vote since 2018 and was seen as a referendum on his long tenure.

- The Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, secured 138 seats, surpassing the 133‑seat threshold needed to amend the constitution. - Magyar declared in his victory speech that the opposition had "brought down the Orbán regime" and "liberated Hungary." - Orbán’s Fidesz coalition fell to 55 seats, while a small far‑right party took the remaining six. - Preliminary results showed 98.9 % of votes counted, with overseas ballots still pending.

With a supermajority, the Tisza Party can rewrite constitutional articles, overhaul the judiciary, and reverse policies enacted under Orbán, including media laws and LGBTQ restrictions. Magyar has pledged to restore Hungary’s standing in the EU, rebuild ties with Ukraine and NATO, and impose a two‑term limit on the premiership. The new government also plans to dismantle the patronage system known as NER and increase spending on health and education.