The fall of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the parliamentary elections marks a major turning point for the far right in Europe, which loses one of its main political models after sixteen years in power.
During his long rule, Orbán imposed a nationalist and illiberal agenda, inspiring many populist leaders across the continent. His government was characterized by anti-immigration policies, opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, and a desire to control the media and civil society.
His close ties with international figures such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had strengthened his influence beyond Hungary. He was notably considered the European leader most aligned with the MAGA movement ("Make America Great Again"), embodied by Donald Trump.
This defeat, largely attributed to voter dissatisfaction with the economic situation, accusations of corruption and attacks on democratic freedoms, considerably weakens the European far right, which is in search of powerful models and political relays.
This also comes at a time when the links between certain European parties and the MAGA movement are being increasingly scrutinized. For some political leaders, this proximity could now be an electoral liability rather than an asset.
Despite this setback, the structures put in place by Orbán during his years in power could endure, and his allies remain optimistic about the ability of the far right to reorganize and continue its rise on the continent.
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