Europe’s Mixed Reactions as Hungary’s Orbán Loses Ground

As the results of Hungary’s parliamentary elections rolled in on Sunday, a collective gasp echoed across Europe. For the first time since 2010, Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party failed to secure a supermajority. The question on everyone’s mind: How will Europe react to Orbán’s electoral setback?

From Cheers to Cautious Optimism in Brussels

In Brussels, the news was met with a mix of relief and cautious optimism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen struck a measured tone, “We will continue to work with Hungary, respecting our common European values.” EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola, a Maltese herself, was more explicit, “Today’s results show that Hungarians want change. We must now ensure that their voice is heard in Europe.”

Locally, Maltese politicians weighed in. Opposition leader Bernard Grech praised the Hungarian opposition’s unity, “A lesson for us all in these divided times.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Abela echoed Metsola’s sentiments, “We hope to see a more cooperative Hungary in the EU.”

Divides Deepen in the Visegrád Four

Orbán’s electoral loss has further exposed fault lines within the Visegrád Four (V4) group – Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. While Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has stood firmly with Orbán, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala was quick to congratulate the opposition, “A sign of a healthy democracy.” Slovakia’s Igor Matovič, however, remained silent, reflecting the region’s complex political dynamics.

In Malta, where the V4 countries are key trade partners, businesses are watching closely. “We’ve seen how Orbán’s policies affected EU relations,” says Joseph Borg, a Maltese businessman with interests in the region. “A change in Hungary could open new opportunities, but we must tread carefully.”

What’s Next for Orbán and Hungary?

Orbán may have lost his supermajority, but he remains Hungary’s prime minister. His Fidesz party still holds 135 seats in the 199-seat parliament. The opposition, united under a six-party alliance, secured 157 seats. The stage is set for negotiations and potential coalitions.

Back in Brussels, the EU will be watching closely. Orbán’s illiberal policies have strained EU-Hungary relations. A change in government could pave the way for improved ties and potentially unlock EU funds frozen due to rule-of-law concerns. But as Metsola warned, “We must ensure that Hungary’s voice is heard, but also that Europe’s values are respected.”

As Malta looks eastwards, it’s clear that Hungary’s political shifts will have ripple effects across Europe. The question now is: How will Orbán respond to this setback, and what does it mean for Hungary’s future in Europe?