Maintains the trust of the Hungarian population: Peter Magyar.Image: keystone
After 16 years, Viktor Orban is losing power: the opposition party Tisza clearly wins the parliamentary election and has a comfortable majority.
April 12, 2026, 11:31 p.mApril 12, 2026, 11:35 p.m
There has been a political upheaval in Hungary. According to current results, the opposition party Tisza clearly wins the parliamentary election and has over 50 percent of the vote. Viktor Orban’s Fidesz government party falls below 40 percent.
At over 76 percent, voter turnout reached a historic high since the first free elections in 1990. Contrary to previous assumptions, the high turnout this time played into the hands of the opposition.
Clear majority for Tisza in parliament
There is also a clear picture when it comes to seats: the Tisza party currently wins around 138 of the 199 seats in parliament. This means she achieves a two-thirds majority, which enables far-reaching constitutional changes.
Fidesz only has around 54 seats. The third force, the Mi Hazank party, enters parliament with a few seats. Other parties remain well below the necessary hurdle.
The opposition also clearly dominates in the direct constituencies: in the vast majority of regions – especially in the capital Budapest – Tisza candidates are in the lead.
Magyar promises “system change”
Opposition leader Peter Magyar announced a fundamental political change during the election campaign. “Hungary will be a democratic constitutional state,” he explained. In addition to reforms in the judicial system and administration, he also promised a new constitution, which would be confirmed by a referendum.
The measures announced include a wealth tax for the rich, joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and reforms to pensions and transparency rules.
Magyar only emerged politically at the beginning of 2024 and was able to mobilize significant support within a few months. His movement quickly developed into the strongest opposition force.
End of a long era of government
The defeat ends Viktor Orban’s 16-year reign. Since 2010, his party has achieved a two-thirds majority several times and has extensively restructured the political system.
This included a new constitution, changes to electoral law and the expansion of a government-affiliated media network. Orban himself had repeatedly announced that he wanted to remain in power in the long term.
The election result now marks a break with this phase. International observers speak of one of the most important political events in Hungary in decades.
Difficult starting position for the new government
During the election campaign, both the previous government and the opposition emphasized that difficult years lay ahead. Peter Magyar warned of a tense budget situation and structural problems in the state.
At the same time, he called for unity: Disappointed voters also had to be included in order to overcome the political division in the country.
With the clear election victory, a new political phase is beginning in Hungary. (mke)