Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, center, celebrates with his party colleagues following the announcement of the partial results of the parliamentary election, in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)2026-04-12T23:35:01Z BUDAPEST (AP) European leaders heaped praise on Pter Magyar after his stunning election victory in Hungary, not just for what the vibrant campaigner and the countrys next premier might do but who he is not long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbn, who many saw as a direct threat to the continents peace and prosperity.The outpouring reflected a deep frustration with Orbn across the 27-nation European Union and its institutions. Today Europe wins and European values win, said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez in a post on X on Sunday night. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk exclaimed on social media: Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!Orbns 16-year grip on power has tested the EU system of governance meant to ensure peace through economic and political integration after the ravages of the world wars. Claiming he sought to advance Hungarians national interests over strategy forged in Brussels, Orbn time and again vetoed collective action such as support for Ukraine following Russias all-out invasion. Recently, the far-right leaders government outraged EU leaders and officials when it admitted to providing a backchannel to Russia during summits. In a recent interview, Magyar told The Associated Press that if elected, he would repair Hungarys relationship with the EU. However, he has carefully avoided taking firm positions on a number of divisive issues during the election campaign including Orbns anti-LGBTQ+ policies and whether Hungary should extend more support to Ukraine. All Hungarians know that this is a shared victory. Our homeland made up its mind. It wants to live again. It wants to be a European country, Magyar said during his victory speech from the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, the capital. Read More After Orbn concedes, congratulations for Magyar pour in fastMagyar said he received calls on Sunday night before he took the stage to announce his victory from French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.Online, congratulations also flowed in from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Romanian President Nicuor Dan and European Council President Antnio Costa also posted their well-wishes for Magyar. This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy, Starmer said.France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian peoples commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungarys commitment to Europe, Macron said. 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. Merz said, Lets join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.Kristersson referenced both the EU and NATO in his congratulation note to Magyar: I look forward to working closely with you as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.Slovenias liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob congratulated Magyar, saying his victory over right-wing populism is also a great victory for the EU and its future. Only a more united and more effective EU will be able to respond to the extremely serious challenges of the times ahead, Golob said.Israeli opposition figure Yair Lapid, himself a descendent of Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust, also congratulated Magyar.And from some, kind words for Orbn Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar but also thanked Orbn for intense collaboration for these years.Far-right French politician Jordan Bardella, seen as a nationally competitive politician in the 2027 French elections, praised Orbns record on populist causes in a post on X. He made no mention of Magyar.Even Orbns staunchest allies in Europe congratulated Magyar.Populist Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babi said that in the election, facing such a strong opponent as Viktor Orbn was never easy, yet he earned the trust of the majority of Hungarians and carries great hopes and expectations. He must not disappoint. Slovakias populist Prime Minister Robert Fico congratulated Magyar and said he was ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian Prime Minister. Referencing the Druzhba pipeline shuttered since an attack in Ukraine an issue Orbn campaigned on and one exacerbated by rising energy prices over the Iran war Fico said Slovakia is interested in friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Hungary and in the above-standard status of national minorities living on the territories of our countries,. Both Babi and Fico vowed to work with Hungarys next leader.Von der Leyen, who had like many EU officials avoided any public position on the Hungarian election, posted on X that Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union grows stronger. Orbn had vilified the Brussels-based EU executive and frequently stymied her agenda.European Peoples Party President Manfried Weber, also a frequent Orbn target, said on social media that Hungary is back at the heart of Europe.German lawmaker Daniel Freund said that Hungarians are sending a signal to the world and warned that Orbns election loss will reverberate among populist leaders world over.The icon of illiberal anti-European forces has now failed - brought down by a disastrous economy, corruption, and his own unfair electoral system, Freund said.Ukraines posted congratulations to Magyar on its X account, referencing two historic rivers of Ukraine and Hungary.The Dnipro and the Tisza flow through a shared home Europe, it said.___Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report. SAM McNEIL McNeil covers Europe and beyond with a focus on conflict and the environment. twitter instagram facebook mailto