European leaders hailed Peter Magyar after his upset election win in Hungary, hailing both his energetic campaign and the fact that he is not the long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom many had viewed as a direct threat to Europe’s peace and prosperity.
The outpouring reflected a deep frustration with Orban across the 27-nation European Union and its institutions.
"Today Europe wins and European values win," said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in a post on X Sunday night. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk exclaimed on social media: "Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!"
Orban's 16-year rule 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 Hungary's national interests over a strategy forged in Brussels, Orban time and again vetoed collective action such as support for Ukraine following Russia's all-out invasion.
