Viktor Orbán’s stunning defeat in Hungary’s general election, ending 16 years of unbroken rule for his Fidesz party, carries symbolic significance for opponents of Donald Trump in the United States. The victory of the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, occurred despite ruthless gerrymandering that tilted the playing field in favour of Orbán, offering hope to Democrats concerned about Trump’s potential interference in upcoming US elections.
Orbán, a self-styled “illiberal” strongman, has long been an inspiration to US Republicans, admired for his blend of electoral success, autocratic power, and populist messaging. He visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago and the White House three times during 2024 and 2025, with Trump frequently praising him in forums including a presidential debate. Vice-President JD Vance was dispatched to Hungary last week in an appeal to voters that may have backfired.
The Steady State, an organisation of retired national security officials opposing Trump, hailed Orbán’s defeat as a “signal event” that could serve as a template for the US. Executive director Steven Cash said: “The message from Hungary is unmistakable: when citizens mobilise in large numbers, even entrenched authoritarian leaders can be defeated. Autocrats may rise, but they are not invincible.”
Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, author of How Democracies Die, noted that despite a heavily gerrymandered system, it is possible for oppositions to win in competitive authoritarian regimes. He cautioned, however, against overconfidence, pointing out that Trump is “much more nakedly authoritarian than Orbán” in some respects, such as refusing to accept defeat and prosecuting opponents.
While the parallels between the US and Hungary should not be overstated, Orbán’s defeat demonstrates the resilience of democratic opposition. The victory united liberals and conservatives, urban and rural districts, in a groundswell against corruption.
