Hungarian voters delivered a decisive rebuke to Viktor Orbán, ending his 16‑year tenure as the EU’s longest‑serving leader. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party captured an estimated 138 of 199 seats, securing a constitutional majority and promising to steer Budapest back into the European mainstream. Turnout hovered around 80%, underscoring the electorate’s appetite for change.

The new coalition vows to dismantle Orbán’s illiberal framework, hold former officials accountable and re‑align Hungary with EU rule‑of‑law standards. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen hailed the result as “Hungary choosing Europe,” signalling that Brussels expects swift policy reversals on sanctions, judicial independence and energy cooperation. Market observers anticipate a reset in foreign‑direct investment flows to the region.

Beyond politics, the shift carries tangible business implications. EU leaders are convening in Cyprus to discuss windfall taxes and flexible state‑aid rules aimed at easing energy costs, measures that could benefit energy‑intensive firms operating in Central Europe. The election outcome thus removes a major source of regulatory uncertainty, offering a clearer path for multinational investors.