Meanwhile, Our Homeland Movement, the radical-right party of Laszló Toroczkai, which openly presents itself as homophobic, EU-sceptic and ultra-nationalist, secured six seats.

Voter turnout – 77.8% of the electorate – shattered all previous records, according to the National Election Commission.

This surge in participation was largely driven by the mobilisation of young voters, who recognised the significance of this historical moment and seized it as an opportunity to call for regime change and a more democratic future for their country.

“You have taken action and shown us what it means not to be afraid, and what it means to begin building a Hungary free from fear,” said Magyar in his victory speech.

‘Feeling liberated’

On the night of the election, Harbingers’ Magazine spoke with several young Hungarians whose reactions ranged from cautious optimism to outright excitement.

Sára Sinkó, 16, described the result as a necessary break from political continuity: “Even though we basically jumped straight into the unknown, I strongly believe that replacing a country’s prime minister after a certain period of time is essential to maintaining a stable system… I’m full of hope and more than ready for a trustworthy future.”

 

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Others emphasised expectations rather than celebration. Csongor Vajer, 17, pointed to the need for better governance: “I hope we can restore solidarity, cooperation and communication. I expect development, innovation and a government that listens to the people.”

For others, the emotional impact of the result was just as significant as the political shift. Blanka Király, 17, said: “I feel incredibly liberated. What’s affected me the most is seeing Hungarians finally coming together after so many years of being set against each other.”

Celebrations in Budapest

On Sunday night, supporters of Magyar gathered to follow the vote count together. After the results were announced, the streets of Budapest came alive as people celebrated the shared victory. Figures such as Zsolt Hegedűs – future health minister – were seen enthusiastically dancing on stage, while many in the crowd waved Hungarian and European flags or joined the celebrations.

@tisza_lepesrol_lepesre Még egyszer és még sokszor! Köszönjük! Hegedűs Zsolt – A legjobb táncos! 🥰❤️🤍💚🫶🙏 #rendszerváltás #tiktokfood #TISZA #fy #fyp ♬ eredeti hang – Tisza_lepesrol_lepesre

Gen Z spectators were heard chanting slogans such as “Filthy Fidesz”, “The Tisza is flooding” and “Russians, go home” as well as holding meme-based signs such as “Tick Tock“, criticising the outgoing government while welcoming the new one.

Before the elections, these chants had emerged in several anti-government protests representing a deeper wave of public dissatisfaction that had been continuously building under Orbán’s administration.

Orbán’s popularity has been in constant decline, especially among young people, following a 2024 scandal that triggered nationwide outrage. The controversy centred on a state pardon granted to an individual official who had covered up child sexual abuse.

Besides diminishing democracy and undermining fundamental human rights, Orban’s reign also contributed to surging inflation, the erosion of real wages and persistent underinvestment in education and healthcare.

Fidesz has also faced further backlash from the European Union over corruption concerns and its foreign policy, particularly its close ties with Russia and an increasingly anti-EU narrative.

However, following the victory of the pro-EU Tisza party, the European Union and Hungary’s relationship is expected to reset. Many leading European politicians offered their congratulations and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the new Hungarian government.