European leaders welcomed opposition leader Peter Magyar’s victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections Sunday following unofficial results, describing it as a historic choice for Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken directly with Magyar to congratulate him, emphasizing what he described as the Hungarian public’s attachment to the European Union.
“France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian people’s commitment to European Union values, and Hungary’s European engagement,” he said on the US social media company X’s platform.
Macron called for joint efforts toward “a more sovereign Europe” focused on security, competitiveness and democracy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also congratulated Magyar, saying “the Hungarian people have decided,” and expressed his readiness to work together.
“Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe,” he added.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the result as a “historic moment” not only for Hungary but for European democracy.
“I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries,” he said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also welcomed the outcome, describing it as a win for Europe and its values.
“Today, Europe and European values have won,” he said, congratulating Hungarian citizens on what he called “historic elections” and expressing his readiness to work with Magyar “for a better future for all Europeans.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Magyar on what she called a “clear election victory” while also thanking Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for years of cooperation.
Meloni said she was confident that Italy and Hungary would continue to work together “with a constructive spirit” in addressing shared European and international challenges.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the result in symbolic terms, saying: “Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.”
European Council President Antonio Costa pointed to the high voter turnout as a sign of democratic vitality, saying: “They have spoken—and their will is clear.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready to “advance cooperation” with Hungary.
“It is important when constructive approach prevails,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
He added that “Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the outcome with a brief message: “Hungary, Poland, Europe—back together.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the result as a “historic victory,” while Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said he had spoken with Magyar and expressed hope for stronger bilateral and European cooperation.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Hungarians had made a “historic choice” for a “free and strong Hungary in a united Europe.”
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina congratulated Magyar on what she described as a “historic victory,” saying she looked forward to working together to advance shared European interests and values.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene extended her congratulations to both Magyar and the Hungarian people, wishing him “strength and success."
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store described the result as “of great significance for all of Europe,” saying he looked forward to “close and constructive cooperation” to promote peace, stability, democracy and the rule of law.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the vote demonstrated the Hungarian people’s “strong will” to remain an active member of the European Union and NATO.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the result offered hope for restoring “democracy, the rule of law, and European cooperation.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the outcome, expressing hope for a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey struck a more political tone, saying the result showed that “populist extremists can be defeated.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the vote marked a “historic” moment, arguing that Hungarians had chosen to “turn the page” on a period he criticized for undermining the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and European sovereignty.
“This election is a powerful lesson delivered by the Hungarian people to those who sought to write its history in their place,” Barrot said, adding: “Long live Europe. Long live democracy.”
Magyar also said he received a congratulatory call from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte following the vote.
It is not yet clear whether Magyar's Tisza party will have a two-thirds majority in parliament, which would give it the numbers needed for major changes in legislation.
