Viktor Orbán Wins Hungarian Election

Hungary’s controversial prime minister has won his fourth consecutive term in power. What does this mean for the world?

• It looks like Viktor Orbán is here to stay. Well, at least for another 4 years. The Hungarian Prime Minister won a staggering 86% of the vote.
• Six opposition parties had united behind a sole candidate to challenge Orban’s Fidesz party, which has ruled the country for three four-year terms. The polls were seemingly narrow.
• Recently, Orban has alienated EU leaders by rolling back press and judiciary freedoms and pursuing national populism. During an influx of refugees to the EU in 2015 he refused to host them in Hungary.
• Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Orban is in danger of becoming more isolated within the EU. He has maintained a close relationship with the Russian president and has blocked further sanctions.
• The government’s Russia-friendly attitude is also putting a strain on Hungary’s partnership with other Central European countries within the so-called "Visegrad Group".
• In recent years the Polish government had been one of Hungary’s closest allies in Europe. With Orban cosying up to Putin and Poland remaining Russia’s biggest foe this might be over.