Reuters
Hungary election results live: Orbán concedes to Magyar's Tisza after projections show opposition winning two-thirds majority
By Christina Anagnostopoulos, Kylie MacLellan, Vanessa Balintec and Zoe Law
What’s happening?
Nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party rule appears to be over after 16 years
Orbán’s conceded to Péter Magyar’s centre-right opposition Tisza
Tisza headed for a two-thirds majority, partial results show
European leaders welcome Tisza victory
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Video
Live from Budapest
10 minutes ago
23:27 +03
Pinned
This video is live; comments made by participants have not been verified by Reuters. Stay with us for fact-checking and analysis.
Recap: What to know about Péter Magyar
8 minutes ago
23:30 +03
Anita Komuves
Recap: What to know about Péter Magyar
Magyar as he votes in Budapest, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
When Magyar was a child, he taped a photo of Orbán, then an anti-Communist firebrand, on his bedroom wall, thrilled by Hungary's first democratic elections in 1990.
Decades later, he ended Orbán's 16-year rule in an election that brought a record-high turnout.
Magyar, whose family name literally means "Hungarian", burst into the limelight two years ago.
That came after his ex-wife, Orbán’s former justice minister, resigned from all political roles after a sex-abuse case pardon that caused public uproar.
He quickly distanced himself from the governing party, accusing it of corruption.
As leader of Tisza, Magyar has pledged to rebuild Hungary's Western orientation and end its dependence on Russian energy by 2035 while striving for "pragmatic relations" with Moscow. He has also promised to unlock the frozen EU funds, which would help revive Hungary's stagnant economy.
"On the first day we need to pass anti-corruption measures and we need to submit our application to join the European Prosecutor's Office," Magyar said on Sunday morning after casting his vote.
Read more here.
Reaction
Norway says Magyar's victory of 'great importance' to Europe
12 minutes ago
23:26 +03
Terje Solsvik
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also congratulated Magyar on X:
Norway says Magyar's victory of 'great importance' to Europe
Source: @jonasgahrstore on X
Video
Honking in celebration
16 minutes ago
23:21 +03
Judith Langowski
On the streets of Budapest close to the Tisza election watch party, supporters honked their car horns in celebration.
Reaction
'Winter is coming,' US Democrat says
19 minutes ago
23:18 +03
Kanishka Singh
Lawmakers from the U.S. opposition Democratic Party welcomed Orbán's defeat, saying allies of U.S. President Donald Trump in Congress are next.
"Winter is coming," U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X, referring to the midterm U.S. elections in November:
'Winter is coming,' US Democrat says
Source: @RepJeffries on X
How has Hungary changed in 16 years under Orbán?
30 minutes ago
23:08 +03
Krisztina Than and Anita Komuves
How has Hungary changed in 16 years under Orbán?
Orbán at the Fidesz Party headquarters in Budapest, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
If the final results confirm Magyar's victory, an end to Orbán's time in power would have signficant implications for Hungary.
Here is some of what has changed over the last 16 years:
CHECKS AND BALANCES
During its first term, Fidesz made hundreds of judges retire under laws that the EU said violated its rules.
Hungary's Constitutional Court later annulled parts of that legislation.
Critics say new electoral rules have helped cement Fidesz's power by favouring large parties, redrawing electoral districts and granting the right to vote to ethnic Hungarians across central Europe, most of whom tend to support Orbán.
Orbán rejects accusations of undermining democracy.
RIGHTWING CONSERVATIVE MODEL
Orbán has cast himself as a defender of Hungary's cultural identity against Muslim immigration and as a protector of Christian values against a so-called "gender and LGBT ideology" and Western liberalism.
His government has redefined marriage as the union between one man and one woman in the constitution, and it has limited gay adoption and transgender rights.
Hungary built a fence on its southern border after the 2015 migration crisis and imposed some of Europe's toughest asylum rules.
CONTROL OVER THE MEDIA
Orbán has transformed Hungary's media landscape, leading to accusations from the EU and pro-democracy groups that press freedoms are being curbed.
It's a charge his government denies.
His government tightened its grip over state media, including broadcast media, turning them into a pro-government mouthpiece, critics say.
Read our full explainer for more on how Orbán changed Hungary.
The result could influence the war in Ukraine
36 minutes ago
23:02 +03
Anita Komuves and Krisztina Than
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FILE PHOTO: A government election billboard reads: "Our message to Brussels is that we will not pay", Budapest, February 11, 2026. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the European Union has tried to drastically cut its use of Russian oil and gas, a shift Budapest has also staunchly resisted.
Orbán has maintained close ties with Russia, a key energy supplier, and refused to send weapons to Ukraine.
He's also blocked a 90-billion-euro loan package from the EU to Kyiv and says Ukraine can never join the bloc.
Orbán accused the EU and Ukraine of seeking to meddle in Sunday's election and says Ukraine wants to disrupt Hungary's energy supply, something Kyiv denies.
He had framed this election as a stark choice between "war or peace", saying his opponents would drag Hungary into the war in Ukraine. Tisza denies the accusation.
Unlike Orban, Magyar does not categorically oppose Ukraine's right to join the EU one day, but Tisza's programme does not support fast-track entry for Kyiv.
A poll published last week by the European Council on Foreign Relations found that while Tisza voters differ from Fidesz supporters in considering Ukraine a partner rather an adversary of Hungary, they are both sceptical about future financial support for Kyiv and its bid to join the EU.
Reaction
Germany's Merz to Magyar: 'I look forward to working with you'
37 minutes ago
23:00 +03
Christoph Steitz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined in the chorus of congratulations to Magyar in an online post:
"The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success," he wrote in a post on X.
"I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe."
Reaction
France welcomes Hungarian 'attachment' to EU values
41 minutes ago
22:57 +03
Sudip Kar-Gupta
France welcomes Hungarian 'attachment' to EU values
FILE PHOTO: Macron in Paris, April 8, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken to Magyar to congratulate him on his victory.
"France welcomes what has been a victory in terms of people taking part in the democratic process, and a victory which shows the attachment of the Hungarian people to the values of the European Union and for Hungary's role in Europe," Macron wrote on X.
Reaction
'A new chapter in the history of Hungary'
an hour ago
22:53 +03
Johan Ahlander
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulated Magyar on X:
”Congratulations to Péter Magyar on TISZA's historic victory in the Hungarian election!" he wrote.
"I look forward to working closely with you – as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.”
Tsiza supporters cheer while Fidesz voters lament loss
an hour ago
22:42 +03
Judith Langowski and Lili Bayer
Tsiza supporters cheer while Fidesz voters lament loss
A supporter of the Fidesz Party in Budapest, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
On one side of the Danube river, several attendees who had been waiting for hours for Orbán to appear were seen crying after watching his speech conceding to Magyar.
Fidesz supporters shouted the nationalistic chant "Ria, Ria, Hungaria" and shouted "You will regret this!"
"We feel horrible, betrayed," a middle aged woman who voted for Fidesz said.
Tsiza supporters cheer while Fidesz voters lament loss
REUTERS/Marton Monus
On the other side, a huge amount of excitement was felt at Tisza's event.
“It’s amazing,” said Sara Becker, 27, told Reuters as Orbán was giving his concession speech.
“I think it would be a better country.”
Reaction
'Hungary has chosen Europe'
an hour ago
22:41 +03
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has posted on X: "Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight."
"Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger."
As we mentioned earlier, Magyar's victory will likely spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine blocked by Orbán.
Breaking
Orbán has conceded
an hour ago
22:25 +03
Anita Komuves
Orbán has conceded
Orbán in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Orbán is speaking to supporters in Budapest.
He said the election result is clear and it is painful for his party.
"The election results is not final yet, but it is understandble and clear. The election result is painful for us, but clear. The responsibility and possibility of governing was not given to us. I have congratulated the winner," Orbán said.
He added that Fidesz woud serve Hungary from opposition.
Breaking
Magyar says Orbán has congratulated him
an hour ago
22:21 +03
Alan Charlish
Magyar has just posted on Facebook to say Orbán has congratulated him.
Here is a translation of his post: "Just now Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has congratulated me on our victory in a phone call."
Magyar says Orbán has congratulated him
Source: Péter Magyar on Facebook
Breaking
Tisza projected to win two-thirds majority, partial results show
an hour ago
22:14 +03
Tisza is projected to win 135 mandates in 199-seat parliament based on partial results with 45.7% of the votes counted, according to the national election office.
That would give Tisza a two-thirds majority in parliament, which would enable deep institutional reform and allow the new government to restructure key institutions.
Fidesz party would get 57 seats based on the current standing.
'Thank you Hungary!'
an hour ago
22:08 +03
Mayar has just posted "Thank you Hungary!" on his Facebook account:
'Thank you Hungary!'
Source: Péter Magyar on Facebook
Government bonds in the spotlight
2 hours ago
22:04 +03
Marc Jones and Gergely Szakacs
Hungary's government bonds are in the spotlight for investors because a win for Magyar could start to unlock some 18 billion euros ($21 billion) of EU funding that has been frozen due to concerns over democratic standards.
The amount is equivalent to about 8% of Hungary's expected gross domestic product this year.
"That money would provide a much-needed boost to investment, which has been a weak spot for years in Hungary," said Viktor Szabo, an EM debt portfolio manager at Aberdeen in London. He said better growth would also help the government's finances.
More here.
Video
Watch the moment Tisza supporters react to early results
2 hours ago
21:59 +03
Lili Bayer
As we just reported, with nearly 30% of votes counted so far Tisza was projected to win 132 seats.
The crowd of Tisza supporters in Budapest is growing, with many watching big screens intently as results come in.
Despite the enthusiasm, some supporters told me that it’s still early and they are not celebrating yet.
The latest polls, the last ones conducted before voting started and published after polling stations had closed, showed Tisza garnering 55-57% support, ahead of Orban's Fidesz.
If you're just joining us, here is what to know
2 hours ago
21:55 +03
Gergely Szakacs and Anita Komuves
If you're just joining us, here is what to know
A person with Hungarian flags across the river from parliament, Budapest, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
With almost 30% of votes counted, Tisza is projected to win 132 seats out of 199 seats in the Hungarian legislature, the national election office said.
Before the vote count began, two surveys conducted before Sunday showed Tisza's Magyar garnering 55-57% support, ahead of Orbán's nationalist Fidesz.
If the poll findings prove accurate, Orbán's defeat after 16 years in power would have significant implications — not only for Hungary but for the EU, Ukraine and beyond.
It would possibly open the way for a 90-billion-euro ($105 billion) EU loan to war-battered Ukraine.
It could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary that the bloc had suspended due to what Brussels said was Orbán's erosion of democratic standards.
Orbán's exit would deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU. It would also send shockwaves through right-wing circles across the West, including U.S. President Donald Trump's White House.
In Hungary, a Tisza victory could open the way for reforms that the party said would aim to combat corruption and restore the independence of the judiciary.
However, the extent of such reforms will depend on whether Tisza can secure the two-thirds constitutional majority it would need to reverse much of Orbán's legacy.
Stay with us for the latest updates.
Breaking
With 29.2% of votes counted, Tisza is projected to win 132 seats
2 hours ago
21:53 +03
That is the latest projection from the national election office.
It would put them just below the 133 seats needed to gain a two-thirds supermajority in the 199-member parliament.
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Kylie MacLellan
Thomson Reuters
Kylie is the Global Live Pages Editor, leading a team providing real-time multimedia coverage of the biggest breaking stories worldwide. She previously worked on the UK Breaking News team, and spent eight years in Westminster as a UK political correspondent - a period which included the Scottish independence referendum, Brexit and several general elections. She originally joined Reuters as a graduate trainee and has also covered investment banking.
Vanessa Balintec
Thomson Reuters
Vanessa Balintec is a Live Page Journalist based in Toronto, Ontario. She helps create and curate multimedia posts for Reuters’ Live Pages — a scrolling feed of multimedia posts for some of the biggest stories of the day. She previously worked at various bureaus for CBC News. Contact: vanessa.balintec@thomsonreuters.com
World
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Orban ousted after 16 years as Hungarians flock to pro-EU rival
Europecategory · April 12, 2026 · 11:17 PM GMT+3 · 9 mins ago
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a key opponent of European Union efforts to help Ukraine fend off Russia's invasion, lost power after 16 years on Sunday as Hungarians voted in record numbers for a pro-EU course spearheaded by centre-right rival Peter Magyar.
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