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The Kremlin said Monday it respects the outcome of Hungary’s parliamentary election after opposition leader Peter Magyar defeated incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“Hungary has made its choice. We respect that choice,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, referring to Sunday’s vote.
Peskov said Russia remains interested in maintaining good relations with Hungary and hopes to continue “very pragmatic” contacts with the country’s incoming leadership.
“We look forward to continuing our very pragmatic contacts with the new Hungarian leadership,” he said.
He added that Hungary’s election result would not affect the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, arguing that major decisions on support for Kyiv are made in Brussels.
Meanwhile, conservative newcomer Peter Magyar, on Monday thanked Russia and China for "accepting" the results.
Magyar thanked Moscow and Beijing for "being open to pragmatic cooperation, just as Hungary is," he told reporters.
China also congratulated Magyar and his Tisza party. "China attaches great importance to the development of China-Hungary relations," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party won 69.35% of the vote and secured 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament with 98.96% of ballots counted, according to the National Election Office.
Orban conceded defeat Sunday, ending his 16-year rule.
“We will serve our nation from the opposition,” he said.
Official results showed Tisza captured roughly 53% of the vote, while Orban’s Fidesz party won 38% and 55 seats.
Voter turnout reached a record 79.6%.
European leaders welcomed Magyar’s victory Monday, framing it as a major blow to right-wing populism in Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the outcome as a victory for “the values of the European Union,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it a “heavy defeat” for “right-wing populism.”
Orban had long positioned himself as a defender of “illiberal democracy” and one of Europe’s closest leaders to both Moscow and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Addressing jubilant supporters in Budapest, Magyar said voters had “liberated Hungary” and declared the result a turning point for the country.
“Today, the Hungarian people have said ‘yes’ to Europe,” he told supporters.
The 45-year-old pledged to restore democratic checks and balances, improve public services, and put Hungary “back on track.”
Magyar, a former government insider who entered politics just two years ago, campaigned on anti-corruption pledges and closer alignment with Europe.
Ahead of the vote, both camps alleged foreign interference in the campaign.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Hungary days before the election to rally alongside Orban, while Trump had promised U.S. “economic might” if Orban won.
Following the result, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he looks forward to working with Magyar “for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe.”
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