Dublin politicians from both government and opposition parties have welcomed the defeat of Viktor Orban in Sunday’s general election.
The far-right leader, who has governed Hungary since 2010 and oversaw an era of democratic backsliding, was resoundingly rejected by voters on Sunday, with opposition leader Péter Magyar winning a two-thirds majority, enough to reverse the constitutional changes Orban has made to the Hungarian system since 2010.
While Magyar identifies as a political conservative, his respect for the rule of law – something that Orban has been accused of not accepting – has been greeted positively by government politicians.
Magyar’s party, Tisza, sit in the same European Parliament grouping as Fine Gael, the European People’s Party.
Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty called Magyar’s win ” a big moment for Hungary and for Europe.”
“Hungarian voters have backed Peter Magyar and the Tisza Party, our EPP colleagues, in a clear call for change. A clear message that voters want real solutions, not just populist rhetoric, and a Europe that delivers for everyone, “she said on Twitter.
Green Party leader and TD Roderic O’Gorman, who took part in a banned Pride march in Budapest last year, said, “one thing that struck me at Budapest Pride last year was the amount of locals who said to us that they were proudly marching for the first time. They were sick of the demonisation of minorities, the grotesque corruption and the gradual chipping away of democracy – and that Orbán needed to go.”
On Sunday evening, the Dublin West TD said “I hope tonight represents a new dawn for Hungary. Voters of all political views rallied behind Tisza and Prime Minister Elect Péter Magyar. It’s vital that the new government rules for all the people, unlike the past 16 years.”
Fellow Dublin West TD Ruth Coppinger stated “a massive voter turnout of almost 80% got rid of far-right Orban, who has spearheaded homophobic, racist & misogynistic policies.”
The Solidarity TD said, “Orban gerrymandered the voting system and centralised power. The 2/3 majority won by the opposition would allow the new government to reverse the direction — the grassroots movement needs to stay vigilant to ensure this happens.”
Labour TD Duncan Smith was more reserved in his judgement of Magyar.
The Dublin Fingal East TD said “whilst it is welcome that Orban has been defeated, his successor Péter Magyar is lukewarm (at best) on Ukraine, has been vague on LGBTQ+issues and has a hard-line on immigration.
“Being better than Orban” does not necessarily mean one is a good egg,” he noted.
Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said “Hungarians have chosen to get rid of the most toxic force in European politics. Europe’s stooge for Putin and Trump is gone and Europe now has a chance to move on.”
“For years, Orbán ran a sabotage operation in Europe, standing in the way of support for Ukraine and weakening Europe’s ability to act together. His defeat ends the blockages and charts a path forward after years of paralysis and allows Europe to finally stand united at a moment when unity has never mattered more. This opportunity will be especially important for Ukraine, ending a roadblock to providing the financial lifeline it desperately needs.”
“To make the most of this opportunity demands leadership. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen must now take this impetus and stand up for Europe and for international law – something she has utterly failed to do. Whether during the devastation Israel has unleashed on Gaza or in the face of the contempt for international law shown by Trump, Europe under President von der Leyen has not stood up for Europe or our values.
The Labour MEP said, “this opportunity has raised the stakes for our own government as we head into the Irish presidency. This must be about delivering a future for Europe grounded in solidarity, in the defence of international law, and in putting people first. Europe has been given a chance to reset. Now we need to make it count.”
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews was more straightforward in his appraisal of the situation.
“Congratulations, Hungary,” he tweeted, adding “welcome back” alongside a European Union flag emoji.