From pragmatism to euphoria: Czech politicians react to Magyar’s landslide election victory
Péter Magyar’s Tisza party has won a landslide victory in Hungary’s general elections, securing a two-thirds constitutional majority in parliament, which will enable it to push through far-reaching changes. The reactions from Prague range from acceptance from the ruling parties, who openly backed Vikor Orban, to euphoria from the opposition, which has hailed the election outcome as a victory for Europe and for democracy.
Czech President Petr Pavel welcomed the outcome of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, saying voters clearly called for change and that “democracy has won.” According to President Petr Pavel, the high turnout in Hungary’s parliamentary elections is in itself a victory for democracy. The Czech head of state expressed the hope that Hungary will maintain the best possible relations with the Czech Republic and its allies after the elections.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), who backed Viktor Orban ahead of the elections, congratulated Péter Magyar on his victory. “Facing such a strong opponent as Viktor Orbán is not easy, yet he has won the trust of the majority of Hungarians and great hopes and expectations are now pinned to him. He must not disappoint,” Babiš wrote on the X network. The Czech prime minister said he looks forward to cooperation, adding that relations between the two countries are traditionally close. He added that he will always work with whoever the voters choose.
Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, who likewise backed Viktor Orban in the elections, reacted by saying that the Czech Republic has lost an ally in Viktor Orbán within the European Union. Nevertheless, he stressed that he fully respects the outcome of the vote and aims to build above-standard relations with the new Hungarian government. Close relations with countries in the region are a top priority for the Czech Republic, the head of diplomacy said.
Macinka also noted that Magyar’s Tisza and Orbán’s party share a common foundation. “That may not be entirely bad news for conservatives,” according to the Czech foreign minister. In his view, the new Tisza administration may not necessarily meet EU expectations.
Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) also congratulated Magyar on his decisive win and outlined possible reasons for Orbán’s defeat. “I believe it is the result of voter fatigue, which is not unusual after 16 consecutive years in office. People want change,” Havlíček said. He added that the Czech government remains committed to improving ties within the Visegrád Group. “We want the V4 to be stronger than it is today, and we will cooperate with anyone who wins in democratic elections,” the deputy prime minister added.
Meanwhile representatives of Czech opposition parties were euphoric about the outcome, saying that Hungary is returning to the European fold and democratic principles.
Former prime minister, Petr Fiala, wrote on X that Hungarian voters had made clear their desire for change. “Viktor Orbán is stepping down as Hungary’s leader. Great news for Europe, bad news for Babiš and Macinka!” he wrote. He added that he was glad that the policy line of populism and deference to Putin had been defeated. “I believe this defeat marks the beginning of the end of this style of politics across Central Europe. And I believe that after Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will follow. I see the change in Hungary as hope for the entire Central European region.”
MEP Danuše Nerudová (Mayors and Independents) wrote on X: “Today, Russia was KO’d in Hungary. Congratulations to the Hungarian opposition—I firmly believe they will rid the country of corruption and bring it back to the core of the EU.”
Civic Democrat leader Martin Kupka wrote: “The election results in Hungary mean only one thing for Andrej Babiš—he is losing yet another partner with whom he pushed populist policies at the European level, guided by a compass tilted eastward. That is good news for the Czech Republic!”
According to the leader of the Pirates’ party, Zdeněk Hřib, Magyar’s victory is also good news for the Czech Republic and Europe, and could signal an end to the blocking of EU sanctions against Russia as well as stronger support for a common European defence. “Orbán has lost! Hungary has chosen a return to democracy, the rule of law, support for families, and a state with a future for young people. After years of growing closer to Russia, there is finally a chance for change,” Hřib wrote.
Civic Democrat MEP Veronika Vrecionová noted that the leader who, in recent years, had led Hungary into the dark corridors of the Kremlin is now leaving office. “The Orbán era is over! Budapest is entering a new phase with Tisza and Péter Magyar, who promises Europe better cooperation. I hope it succeeds and that the Hungarian government once again becomes a reliable partner—especially in matters of shared security. That would also be good for NATO,” she said.
Who is Péter Magyar?
The 45-year-old Péter Magyar is a lawyer, diplomat and conservative politician, slated to become Hungary’s next prime minister.
He began his professional career at the Metropolitan Court, and after passing his legal exams, he worked in the international legal field assisting multinational companies with their investments in Hungary in the areas of corporate, commercial and competition law.
For more than two decades, he was a member of the Fidesz party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In early 2024, in the wake of a major government scandal, he left the party and formed a new political platform for citizens dissatisfied with both the government and the opposition.
That same year Magyar assumed leadership of the Tisza party (Tisztelet és Szabadság), emerging as the most prominent opposition leader and quickly capitalized on growing dissatisfaction with the Orban regime.
In the 2024 European Parliament elections, his Tisza party secured second place behind Fidesz, gaining nearly 30% of the vote, the highest number and percentage of votes by any non-Fidesz party since 2006.
In the run up to the 2026 general elections, he promised to dismantle Orbán’s clientelist and corrupt system, revive the economy, improve ties with the EU, revitalize the Visegrad Group and steer Hungary back toward democratic governance.
He has pledged to defend Hungarian interests, and while political analysts do not expect Hungary’s relationship with the European Union or its foreign policy to undergo a complete reversal under the Tisza-led government, they predict a much stronger emphasis on a more cooperative and constructive relationship with the EU and Western European partners.
Just two years after splitting from Fidesz, Péter Magyar ousted his former party boss from office after 16 years in power.
