Orbán’s Defeat Sparks Gloating Across Europe’s Establishment
Jubilant reactions from EU figures reveal how pivotal Hungary had become in opposing further centralisation—but Patriots for Europe are “more united than ever” in their mission to defend the sovereignty of Europe’s nations.
Jubilant reactions from EU figures reveal how pivotal Hungary had become in opposing further centralisation—but Patriots for Europe are “more united than ever” in their mission to defend the sovereignty of Europe’s nations.
Hungary’s election was a big moment in European politics, as the many, varied reactions from across the continent have already shown.
Figures in Brussels, or who are part of its orbit, have wasted no time in exclaiming their delight at outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s loss—since this, rather than the victory of Tisza Party leader Péter Magyar, is their main prize.
Donald Tusk’s team on Monday morning posted a video online of the Polish PM telling Magyar over the phone that “I think I’m happier than you, you know.”
Germany’s Friedrich Merz also suggested he was pleased about the prospect of a more “united Europe,” given hopes that Magyar will bend to Brussels’ will where Orbán did not. Especially regarding the EU’s dealings with Ukraine, although Slovak PM Robert Fico also wrote on Monday that the new administration should not back down on pressuring Kyiv to resume Russian oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline.
António Costa, who leads the European Council, said: “record turnout shows the democratic spirit of the Hungarian people.” This sentiment was also shared by former U.S. President Barack Obama, as well as by other figures who only celebrate the strength of democracy when their own side wins.
And Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, was quick to declare on Sunday evening that “Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight,” later adding:
Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.
France’s Marine Le Pen said this level of satisfaction from the Commission, “which has never ceased to overstep its prerogatives and competencies to the detriment of the power of the peoples, should concern Hungarians about the persistence of this freedom so dearly defended for years.”
Dutch populist Geert Wilders also lamented that “Orbán was the only leader with balls in the EU,” describing him as “tough on migration and anti-woke.”
Budapest is, thanks to him, an oasis of safety compared to Amsterdam, Brussels, or Paris.
But while there is a palpable sense of disappointment on the European Right following Sunday’s defeat, Wilders added that “we’ll keep fighting.”
The Patriots group in the European Parliament also stressed in its response that it is “more united than before and determined to intensify its efforts, committing to continue and strengthen the political struggle for sovereignty, prosperity and freedom for all European nations.”
🇭🇺 | The Patriots Group stands with Orbán and Fidesz and warns against EU interference. pic.twitter.com/GhLzYxntTZ
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott said Viktor Orbán “has been a very consequential PM—probably the most consequential Hungary has ever had,” not least given “he was dead right to defy the EU, on illegal immigration especially.”
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
