Orbán re-elected as head of Fidesz despite his defeat in the parliamentary elections

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was re-elected on Saturday as chairman of the Fidesz party for another year, despite his party's defeat in the April 12 parliamentary elections against the centre-right Tisza party.

This re-election comes at a time when Fidesz is going through one of the most difficult periods in its recent history. After more than a decade in power, the party lost its parliamentary majority and had to cede the reins of government to the new coalition led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar.

At 62 years old, Viktor Orbán remains the central figure of the movement he has led for many years. His influence extends far beyond the borders of Hungary, where he has established himself as one of the main representatives of the nationalist conservative movement in Europe.

During his time as prime minister, Orbán championed what he termed an "illiberal" model of democracy, emphasizing national sovereignty, immigration control, and the defense of traditional values. This approach earned him the support of numerous conservative movements across Europe and the United States, but also sharp criticism from his opponents and several European institutions.

Despite his electoral defeat, Orbán's reappointment as head of Fidesz demonstrates that the former prime minister retains the confidence of the party's leadership. This decision could allow him to play a major role in rebuilding the Hungarian opposition and prepare for a possible return to the national political scene.

Fidesz will now have to redefine its strategy in the face of Peter Magyar's government, which has a comfortable majority and has pledged to reform several institutions put in place under the Orbán era.

The re-election of the former Prime Minister thus confirms that he remains one of the most influential political figures in Hungary, despite the loss of power and the challenges his party faces.