Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center, addresses after a parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)2026-04-13T04:10:10Z BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungarys Viktor Orbn had such an outsize global influence that his crushing electoral defeat is resounding far and wide.During his 16 years in power, admirers emulated Orbns playbook for reshaping political institutions to his advantage and squeezing minority rights and media freedoms, and viewed him as a defender of national sovereignty in the face of globalization and migration. To his detractors, he was a threat to European democracy and the continents hard-fought values of human rights and rule of law.Ultimately, Hungarian voters decided it was time to turn the page and overwhelmingly favored challenger Pter Magyar in Sundays election. Heres how global leaders reacted, in their own words. Ukraine has a lot at stakeOrbns was the Kremlins strongest ally in the European Union and repeatedly blocked aid for Ukraine to fend off Russias invasion. After Magyars election win, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly reached out in hopes of support.It is important when constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary,' he posted on social media. We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,' Zelenskyy said. For the EU, a sigh of reliefOrbn was especially and constantly critical of the EU, even though his country enjoys billions in funding from the bloc.Within minutes of his concession speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a frequent target of Orbns pronouncements, posted on X: Europes heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.Europes biggest powers also jumped in.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy. I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries. Read More German Chancellor Friedrich Merz messaged Magyar: Lets join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe. Gratullok, kedves Magyar Pter! French President Emmanuel Macron said that France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian peoples commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungarys commitment to Europe.'Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is visiting Seoul, South Korea, posted on X Monday the flags of Hungary, his country and the European Union and said Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!He later posted a short video clip apparently showing him speaking to Magyar by phone while overlooking the Korean capital. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Oh, I am so happy. I think I am happier than you, you know, Tusk said in English.In his victory speech, Magyar said that his first foreign stop would be to Poland, which has historically had longstanding, friendly ties to Hungary.Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, an ally of Orbn who is visiting Vietnam, posted a statement offering his congratulations and saying he is ready for intensive cooperation with Magyar. Fellow populists chose their words carefullyItalian Premier Giorgia Meloni thanked her friend Viktor Orbn for their collaboration. I know that even from the opposition he will continue to serve his Nation.'Frances far-right National Rally, jockeying to replace Macron in the French presidency next year, supported Orbn and tread cautiously after his defeat. This result, respectfully welcomed by Viktor Orbn, shows that the incessant accusations by European institutions in recent years against Hungarian democracy were unfounded,' posted the partys president Jordan Bardella. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site