The Kremlin has reacted to the electoral loss of Viktor Orban at the parliamentary elections held in Hungary over the weekend. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said they will not be congratulating opposition leader Peter Magyar on his win and parliamentary supermajority, as Hungary is now an “unfriendly country”.
He told Yunashev Live: “We do not send congratulations to unfriendly countries. And Hungary is an unfriendly country, it supports sanctions against us.” While there has not yet been a direct reaction from Vladimir Putin, Moscow said earlier it would maintain its relationship with Budapest, per state media.
Peskov acknowledged the decision of the Hungarian people and respected their decision, adding that Russia will be waiting to see what Magyar does after coming into power.
He emphasised that the change in government shouldn’t affect the war in Ukraine, and that Russia wants to build good relations with other European nations.
Orban blocked 90 billion euros (£78 billion) in European support for Ukraine and was Putin’s closest ally in the region. With Magyar in power, the country is expected to create closer ties with Europe and potentially resume aid to Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded to the election: “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger…. Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.”
Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Magyar, saying: “It is important when constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary.”
The new Hungarian parliament is expected to be sworn in on May 12, though this date has not been finalised.
He called for a number of resignations, including the President Tamás Sulyok and the presidents of the supreme court, the judicial council, the state audit office, the competition authority, and the media authority.
The new prime minister said his first foreign trip would be to Poland, then Austria, then Brussels “to get the funds that the Hungarians deserve”.
