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Hungary

Hungary held elections on April 12 with Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceding that his 16-year rule has been ended by opposition leader Peter Magyar. The EU, Russia and US were all observing the important vote closely.

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Viktor Orban in the Hungarian parliament

Viktor Orban in the Hungarian parliament

Hungary: What will become of Orban and his system?

Outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party are still reeling from their election defeat.

Peter Magyar at a rally of the Tisza Party in Budapest

Peter Magyar at a rally of the Tisza Party in Budapest

Hungary's Magyar meets EU chief in key Brussels visit

Hungary's Peter Magyar is looking to salvage a currently blocked €10 billion EU funding before an August deadline.

This picture shows a Romani woman reading in a bookstore

This picture shows a Romani woman reading in a bookstore

After Orban, Hungary's Roma hope for change

After 16 years of Fidesz rule, many in Hungary's Romani community hope the new government will bring positive change.

Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, waves the Hungarian flag on stage, his free hand holding up an index finger to celebrate his election win

Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, waves the Hungarian flag on stage, his free hand holding up an index finger to celebrate his election win

Hungary's election victor Peter Magyar faces major hurdles

No rule of law, no free media, Orban loyalists everywhere — how quickly can Peter Magyar bring about change?

Parlamentswahl Ungarn 2026 | Peter Magyar bei Pressekonferenz nach Wahlsieg

Parlamentswahl Ungarn 2026 | Peter Magyar bei Pressekonferenz nach Wahlsieg

Winner of Hungary's election faces three major obstacles

No rule of law, no free media, Orban loyalists everywhere — how quickly can change begin?

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia is seen at the Hungarian MOL Group's Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 18, 2022.

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia is seen at the Hungarian MOL Group's Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 18, 2022.

Ukraine: Russian oil to Hungary, Slovakia has restarted

Energy companies in Ukraine and Hungary both say Russian oil is again flowing through the Druzhba pipeline.

eople march during the Gay Pride parade. A specific law by premier Viktor Orban has banned it. Thousands of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community LGBTQ of Hungary paraded to celebrate diversity. Hungary, Budapest, June 28, 2025.

eople march during the Gay Pride parade. A specific law by premier Viktor Orban has banned it. Thousands of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community LGBTQ of Hungary paraded to celebrate diversity. Hungary, Budapest, June 28, 2025.

Hungary: Orban-era LGBTQ rules breach EU laws, ECJ finds

The EU's top court finds that the Hungarian legislation breaches various EU laws, including guarantees of human dignity.

Close-up of Hungary's Viktor Orban (January 2026 file photo)

Close-up of Hungary's Viktor Orban (January 2026 file photo)

How much Orban influence remains in Hungary's politics?

Hungary voted for change, but Viktor Orban spent 16 years making sure power doesn't just disappear after an election.

DW | To the Point | Gast der Sendung

DW | To the Point | Gast der Sendung

Is the US president fueling his own downfall?

Trump's escalations risk alienating his base. Is an Orban-style downfall ahead?

Election winner Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza Party speaks to the media at Sandor Palace in Budapest, Hungary, April 15, 2026

Election winner Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza Party speaks to the media at Sandor Palace in Budapest, Hungary, April 15, 2026

Hungary's Magyar hoping to form new government in early May

Hungary's new government could take power in just a few weeks after Peter Magyar met with President Solyuk.

A man (Peter Magyar) stands at a lectern in front of a row of Hungarian flags and a blue backdrop emblazoned with the symbol of his party, Tisza, Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 2026

A man (Peter Magyar) stands at a lectern in front of a row of Hungarian flags and a blue backdrop emblazoned with the symbol of his party, Tisza, Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 2026

Hungary: What's next for Peter Magyar after election win?

Peter Magyar has promised a "system change" in Hungary. DW explores what he is likely to do in some key areas.

Péter Magyar waves a Hungarian flags, supporters celebrate in the background

Péter Magyar waves a Hungarian flags, supporters celebrate in the background

How Hungary's election weakens strongmen in Eastern Europe

Political scientist Jasmin Mujanovic explains how Hungary's elections may weaken illiberal power across Eastern Europe.

Celebration outside the parliament building following Orban's ouster

Celebration outside the parliament building following Orban's ouster

EU applauds Hungary's election result

Brussels is watching closely as Peter Magyar prepares to take office. What can the EU expect from the new leader?

Peter Magyar waving a Hungarian flag

Peter Magyar waving a Hungarian flag

Change of guard in Hungary as Magyar ousts Orban

Peter Magyar's center-right opposition party Tisza won a landslide victory over longtime Prime Minister Victor Orban.

Supporters of opposition leader Peter Magyar wave a large European Union and Hungarian revolutionary national flag

Supporters of opposition leader Peter Magyar wave a large European Union and Hungarian revolutionary national flag

Hungary: Orban's election defeat sparks hope and relief

Viktor Orban's Fidesz party was swept aside in the Hungarian election. Winner Peter Magyar is promising major changes.

Likely future Hungarian prime minister Peter Magyar speaks in Budapest, flanked by aides (April 12, 2026)

Likely future Hungarian prime minister Peter Magyar speaks in Budapest, flanked by aides (April 12, 2026)

Hungary's Magyar outlines policy in first news conference

Prospective PM Peter Magyar has pledged to move Budapest back towards the EU, but could continue Orban's migrant policy.

Peter Magyar, man in suit and tie waving Hungarian flag

Peter Magyar, man in suit and tie waving Hungarian flag

Hungary: Peter Magyar's election win heralds thaw in EU ties

Hungarian voters have chosen the pro-EU course of Peter Magyar, ending 16 years of rule by Russia-friendly Viktor Orban.

Ungarn Budapest 2026 | Parlamentswahl | Oppositionsführer Peter Magyar nach Schließung der Wahllokale

Ungarn Budapest 2026 | Parlamentswahl | Oppositionsführer Peter Magyar nach Schließung der Wahllokale

Hungary's Magyar 'optimistic but cautious' as votes counted

Early results suggest opposition leader Peter Magyar could unseat prime minister Viktor Orban in Hungary's election.

Viktor Orban standing next to Donald Trump, looking up to him as Trump is talking outside the White House in November 2025

Viktor Orban standing next to Donald Trump, looking up to him as Trump is talking outside the White House in November 2025

How much sway does Trump have over Hungarian voters?

US President Trump has backed Viktor Orban, but it's unclear whether his endorsement will actually help Orban.

Campaign posters on the side of a residential building in Hungary

Campaign posters on the side of a residential building in Hungary

Hungary: Scandal, fear and hope ahead of vote

Fake news and political scandals: Hungary hasn't seen an election this fraught since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

A man at a microphone and several Hungarian flags

A man at a microphone and several Hungarian flags

Hungary gears up for a historic election

Hungary's election on April 12 is the most important for the state since 1989, and also of significance for the EU.

A nighttime political rally in Hungary with a large crowd holding flags and torches in front of a lit stage, during the run‑up to the 2026 election.

A nighttime political rally in Hungary with a large crowd holding flags and torches in front of a lit stage, during the run‑up to the 2026 election.

Hungary election 2026: power, billions and Orban's rule

Hungary's 2026 election will shape the country's rule and its future in Europe.

A Fidesz election campaign poster portrays Orban's opponent Peter Magyar next to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen

A Fidesz election campaign poster portrays Orban's opponent Peter Magyar next to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen

Hungary: Orban and opposition trade barbs ahead of election

Hungary is facing a potentially pivotal election, with challenger Peter Magyar and the Tisza party promising change.

Viktor Orban speaking with Giorgia Meloni at an EU summit with other EU leaders behind them

Viktor Orban speaking with Giorgia Meloni at an EU summit with other EU leaders behind them

Hungary voters want new EU approach, tough stance on Ukraine

A new poll ahead of Hungary's election suggests that most voters want at least minor changes to ties with the EU.

A Serbian military police officers stands between two black cars with a machine gun and with a dark uniform.

A Serbian military police officers stands between two black cars with a machine gun and with a dark uniform.

Fact check: Orban points to Ukraine over pipeline bomb

Days before a consequential election, Orban suggests Ukraine is sabotaging Hungary's energy security.

Extreme close-up of a human eye with graphics superimposed

Extreme close-up of a human eye with graphics superimposed

AI facial recognition: A threat to privacy?

Facial recognition helps in daily life – but it can also be misused for mass surveillance.

Viktor Orban watches on from the stands during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin

Viktor Orban watches on from the stands during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin

Hungary election: How football has helped Orban keep power

Viktor Orban is a football fanatic but has long used the sport as a political tool, both in Hungary and abroad.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium in Budapest, Hungary. April 8, 2026.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium in Budapest, Hungary. April 8, 2026.

JD Vance ribs Zelenskyy and Ukraine for Orban in Hungary

US vice president echoes Viktor Orban's campaign messaging, firing broadsides at EU leaders and Ukraine's government.

People walk through a small town market in Berehove, Ukraine, in March 2024

People walk through a small town market in Berehove, Ukraine, in March 2024

Hungarians living in Ukraine caught between front lines

About 80,000 ethnic Hungarians live in western Ukraine. What does the future hold for this minority?

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (right) welcomes US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha to Budapest as all three walk along a red carpet flanked by soldiers, Air Force Two can be seen behind them

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (right) welcomes US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha to Budapest as all three walk along a red carpet flanked by soldiers, Air Force Two can be seen behind them

Hungary: US dispatches JD Vance to aid Orban reelection bid

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a symbol of the global far-right and an inspiration for Donald Trump and MAGA.

Serbian military police officers stand guard near vehicles as explosive materials of high destructive power are reported found close to a gas pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary near the villages of Velebit, Tresnjevac and Vojvoda Zimonjic in Kanjiza, Serbia, on April 6, 2026.

Serbian military police officers stand guard near vehicles as explosive materials of high destructive power are reported found close to a gas pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary near the villages of Velebit, Tresnjevac and Vojvoda Zimonjic in Kanjiza, Serbia, on April 6, 2026.

Serbia, Hungary say explosives found near Russian pipeline

Serbian officials say they found explosives near a pipeline that carries Russian gas into Hungary.

This image shows two men dressed in suits (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US Vice President JD Vance) in Washington

This image shows two men dressed in suits (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US Vice President JD Vance) in Washington

In bid to boost Orban, Vance to visit Hungary ahead of vote

US Vice President JD Vance is expected in Hungary days before the parliamentary election on April 12.

The Balkan Stream pipeline in Serbia

The Balkan Stream pipeline in Serbia

Serbia, Hungary say explosives found at Russian gas pipeline

Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic said explosives "of devastating power" were found near the Balkan Stream gas pipeline.

Hungary's government accused of spying on opposition

The intelligence service is said to have spied on the opposition Tisza Party ahead of April's parliamentary election.

A plane flying above the clouds while the sun shines.

A plane flying above the clouds while the sun shines.

Sky High: Does a Pilot have a Dream Job?

A pilot’s daily routine, pilgrimage tips to Santiago de Compostela and chocolate mousse.

Ungarn Budapest 2026 | Viktor Orbán & Péter Magyar

Ungarn Budapest 2026 | Viktor Orbán & Péter Magyar

Hungary: Europe or an authoritarian path?

As Hungary approaches the general election, the country appears more divided than ever.

The politicians wave and smile amid flags and phones are held high to take their picture.

The politicians wave and smile amid flags and phones are held high to take their picture.

Hungarian election: Will Europe's far-right help Orban win?

European populists are throwing their weight behind Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's reelection campaign.

This picture shows a "corrected" government banner in Hungary, covered with satirical messages

This picture shows a "corrected" government banner in Hungary, covered with satirical messages

Hungary election: Man 'corrects' government campaign posters

Peter Heindl has for years been "correcting" the Hungarian government's posters in an act of political resistance.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talking amid an EU leaders' summit, with other top European politicians visible in the background

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talking amid an EU leaders' summit, with other top European politicians visible in the background

EU reacts to 'concerning' report of Hungarian leak to Russia

The EU and Germany have expressed concern at reports of Hungary's foreign minister briefing Russia on EU talks.

Supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a rally

Supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a rally

Hungary's rival parties hold parallel rallies ahead of vote

Viktor Orban is facing his first serious challenge in years in Peter Magyar.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin standing in an ornate room

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin standing in an ornate room

Russia works to 'tip scale' for Orban in Hungary election

With the Kremlin backing the prime minister, Hungarians are voting on whether to lean toward the EU or Russia.

A pyramid of banknotes is seen on a table. Leaning against the pile are nine bars of gold

A pyramid of banknotes is seen on a table. Leaning against the pile are nine bars of gold

Oil for cash? Ukraine-Hungary tension continues to escalate

Hungary has seized a Ukrainian cash transporter and is pressuring Kyiv to resume oil deliveries. What could happen next?

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia is seen at the Hungarian MOL Group's Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 18, 2022

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia is seen at the Hungarian MOL Group's Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 18, 2022

Hungary blocks some fuel deliveries to Ukraine amid tensions

Hungary announced the move as it asks Ukraine to repair a pipeline that pumps Russian oil to Budapest and Bratislava.

On February 11, 2026, a government election billboard is seen in Budapest, Hungary, showing altered images of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and European People's Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber, who seem to be asking the viewer for money

On February 11, 2026, a government election billboard is seen in Budapest, Hungary, showing altered images of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and European People's Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber, who seem to be asking the viewer for money

Hungary's Orban deploys AI-made scare ads in close election

In Hungary, Viktor Orban's Fidesz party uses aggressive AI-made anti‑European Union and Ukraine ads to rally voters.

A receiving station at an oil refinery, various pipes of white, black and yellow

A receiving station at an oil refinery, various pipes of white, black and yellow

Hungary's Orban accuses Kyiv of plotting energy disruption

Viktor Orban has escalated a dispute with Ukraine, accusing it of planning to disrupt his country's energy system.

Viktor Orban puts his hand to his face while walking

Viktor Orban puts his hand to his face while walking

Hungary threatens veto of €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine

Budapest could cut off billions in EU aid to Ukraine unless more Russian oil gets piped to Hungary.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, February 16, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, February 16, 2026

Rubio praises Orban and Hungary ahead of crunch election

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backs Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's leadership during a visit to Budapest.

Peter Magyar speaking at a podium with the message: "A functioning Hungary"

Peter Magyar speaking at a podium with the message: "A functioning Hungary"

Hungary: Magyar launches anti-Orban election campaign

The Hungarian opposition Tisza party is pledging to combat corruption and reverse Budapest's pivot towards Russia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico shake hands, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on February 15, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico shake hands, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on February 15, 2026

Marco Rubio visits Trump allies in Eastern Europe

The US Secretary of State is on a two-day trip to Slovakia and Hungary — two countries still reliant on Russian energy.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaking at podium in crowd of supporters

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaking at podium in crowd of supporters

Orban says EU bigger threat to Hungary than Russia

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban accused the EU of propping up Peter Magyar's Tisza opposition party.