The Digest:
Hungarian voters have ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, rejecting his authoritarian policies in favour of pro-European challenger Péter Magyar. Orbán, a close ally of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, conceded defeat after a "painful" result. Magyar's Tisza party secured over 53% of the vote with 93% counted. Turnout was nearly 80%, a record in Hungary's post-Communist history. European leaders quickly congratulated Magyar.
Key Points:
- Orbán had strained Hungary's relationship with the EU and NATO.
- He frequently used veto power to block EU decisions, including a €90bn loan to Ukraine.
- Magyar campaigned against corruption and on everyday issues like healthcare.
- Trump's VP, JD Vance, had visited Hungary days earlier to support Orbán.
- The result is a blow to far-right movements globally, which viewed Orbán as a beacon.
Sources: Associated Press (AP)
