National conservative party experiences considerable defeat in Hungary.
Peter Magyar's new opposition party, Tisza, currently has about 30% of the votes in an election that has pitted him against incumbent Orban. Orban, while not addressing the loss of votes for his party, claimed that the election results sent a clear message to Hungarians for peace. Prior to the election, he had suggested that the outcome could determine "war or peace" in Europe.
43-year-old Magyar terms this result as a "Waterloo" for Orban, signifying the end of Orban's reign as the leader of the country. Orban has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been reluctant to join EU accession negotiations with Kiev. In addition, Orban's government is preventing further EU military aid for Ukraine in the billions.
In July, Hungary will take over the EU Council Presidency. Magyar has rapidly emerged as a prominent political figure in Hungary, campaigning as a conservative anti-corruption fighter against the "system" backed by Orban. Thousands of people cheered him on during his campaign tour through the country, gathering in Budapest on Saturday.
The Fidesz Party, led by Orban, will lose its presence in the European Parliament as it currently stands. Magyar, according to his own statements, is negotiating with the EPP faction in the European Parliament for his party to join.
