As the sun set over the bustling streets of Paceville, Malta’s party hub, little did the revellers know that across the Adriatic, another kind of party was unfolding. In Budapest, Hungary, the air was thick with anticipation as voters queued in record numbers to cast their ballots. The stakes? Nothing less than the future of Hungary’s government and the political scene of Europe.

Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Prime Minister since 2010, has reshaped the country in his image. His Fidesz party’s supermajority in parliament has allowed him to push through controversial reforms, including a new constitution, stricter immigration laws, and a crackdown on independent media. But this election, held on April 3, was different. The opposition, united for the first time, presented a single candidate to challenge Orbán’s dominance.

In Malta, where political pluralism is a cherished norm, the sight of a united opposition is not uncommon. Yet, the scale of Hungary’s opposition unity, and the potential consequences of a victory, have drawn the attention of political watchers worldwide.

Malta’s Hungarian community, estimated at around 2,000 strong, has been following the election closely. Many have family ties to Hungary and are eligible to vote. “I’ve never seen such engagement among our community,” said Peter Szabó, a Malta-based Hungarian businessman. “We’re all hoping for change, but we know it won’t be easy.”

Malta’s strategic location has long made it a crossroads of cultures. Today, it’s home to a diverse range of European communities, each bringing their unique perspectives to the island’s political discourse. The Hungarian community, like many others, is no exception.

When the polls closed, Hungary saw a record turnout of 70%. In Budapest’s 13th district, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, voter turnout reached an astonishing 92%. The high turnout was seen as a sign of hope by the opposition, but Orbán’s Fidesz party remained confident.

Back in Malta, Szabó watched the results roll in with bated breath. “We’ve seen high turnouts here in Malta when people are passionate about change,” he said. “I hope Hungary sees the same today.”

The results are in, and Orbán’s Fidesz party has secured another term. But the high turnout and strong opposition performance have sent a clear message. The era of Orbán’s supermajority may be over, and a new era of political competition could be on the horizon.

In Malta, the Hungarian community is already . “We’ll keep fighting for change, here and back home,” said Szabó. “After all, that’s what democracy is all about.”