politics
April 13, 2026
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in key election, ending 16 years in power
Updated on: April 12, 2026 / 10:00 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat in the Hungarian national election, ending his 16-year rule.
- Opposition leader Peter Magyar is set to win a large majority in parliament.
- Orbán stated he congratulated the victorious party and will serve the nation from opposition.
- Magyar reported Orbán's concession call, expressing cautious optimism despite reports of tampering.
- European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Pedro Sanchez, and Keir Starmer, congratulated Magyar and welcomed Hungary's perceived return to European values.
- Critics have accused Orbán's government of undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law, with Hungary ranked as one of the most corrupt EU countries.
- Voters cited Orbán's anti-EU and pro-Russia stance as reasons for voting for Magyar.