French Media: Orbán's Exit, Moscow and Beijing Disappointed!
On April 13, AFP and Reuters reported: "Hungary’s parliamentary election has concluded. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had ruled for 16 years and was known for his 'illiberal democracy,' conceded defeat. His Fidesz party secured only 37.9% of the vote and won 55 seats. Former ruling party member Gábor Varga led the emerging Tisza Party to a landslide victory with 53.6% of the vote, capturing 138 seats — an absolute majority of two-thirds, granting them direct constitutional amendment powers. Voter turnout reached a record-high 79.5%. Orbán had long opposed the EU, maintained close ties with Russia, and distanced himself from Ukraine — earning endorsement from Trump. This crushing defeat marks a major setback for European populism, stripping Putin of a key ally within the EU. Varga pledged to return Hungary to the mainstream of the EU and tackle corruption. Multiple European countries and Ukraine have extended congratulations."
[Clever] Commentary: This Hungarian election was essentially a boiling-over of the conflict between 'strongman long-term rule' and the people’s desire for change. For 16 years, Orbán transformed Hungary into the EU’s ‘troublemaker,’ maintaining support by blocking sanctions against Russia and protecting energy interests. But economic stagnation, oligarchic corruption, and international isolation prompted voters — with an astonishing 80% turnout — to deliver their strongest protest yet. History offers precedent: after Merkel stepped down, right-wing forces in Europe receded; Poland’s pro-rule-of-law faction lost ground. Now, Orbán’s downfall signals that the EU’s experiment with 'illiberal democracy' is thoroughly cooled. More critically, this represents a geopolitical reshuffle: the EU loses a 'deadweight', making decisions on aid to Ukraine and restrictions on Russia far smoother; Putin loses his last foothold in Central and Eastern Europe; and Trump’s overseas network of 'strongman allies' suffers another heavy blow. With constitutional amendment power in hand, Varga is highly likely to quickly realign Hungary with Western mainstream norms and unlock frozen EU funds. This makes clear: the model of anti-EU rhetoric, pro-Russia alignment, and authoritarian stability has no sustainable future in Europe. The path forward lies in improving livelihoods and full integration!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862316771120204/
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