NATO chief ready to work with Hungary premier-elect Peter Magyar to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that he looks forward to working with Hungary's newly elected leader Peter Magyar to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security following his election victory.

“Good call with @magyarpeterMP last night after his election win in #Hungary. I look forward to working with him to further strengthen Euro-Atlantic security,” Rutte said on US social media company X.

Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, is poised to secure a decisive parliamentary majority, according to unofficial results, marking a major political shift after years of rule by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

European leaders reacted quickly to the outcome and signaled readiness to cooperate with the incoming Hungarian government.

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela said his government “looks forward to working closely” with Magyar to advance shared European priorities and reinforce regional stability.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis acknowledged the difficulty of defeating Orban and expressed hope for constructive cooperation, emphasizing close ties between the two countries.

“I respect the election result and look forward to our cooperation, because the relationship between Hungary and Czech Republic is close, and I will always work constructively with whoever voters choose,” Babis said on X.

Czech President Petr Pavel described the vote as “exceptional,” citing record turnout and calling the outcome a clear signal of voters’ desire for change and a stronger European direction.

“Democracy has triumphed in Hungary. People wanted change and a European direction. This is good news for Europe,” he said on social media.