{"id":1883361,"date":"2026-04-15T05:00:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T02:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1883361"},"modified":"2026-04-15T05:00:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T02:00:36","slug":"life-after-orban-how-his-crushing-defeat-is-set-to-transform-eu-power-dynamics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1883361","title":{"rendered":"Life after Orb\u00e1n: How his crushing defeat is set to transform EU power dynamics"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/03\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_a7ca3458-a794-595b-8d2b-91823c43f8cd-9720366.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2886412-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886412\" data-cid=\"9723028\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886412-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/30\/28\/189x106_cmsv2_e0b7ff20-c9e0-5c07-82a1-a9eca34d0925-9723028.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE-Norway's crude oil tanker Breiviken is escorted to the Klaipeda oil terminal in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Thursday, 23 January 2020. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    https:\/\/cms.euronews.tech\/article\/9722861\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886362-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886362\" data-cid=\"9722784\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886362-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/27\/84\/189x106_cmsv2_b03ae48d-ef00-5548-a1f8-b8a71c8e322a-9722784.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker climbs up a damaged residential building in southeastern Tehran, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says Iran war &#8216;very close to over&#8217; as truce talks advance\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886399-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886399\" data-cid=\"9722959\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886399-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/29\/59\/189x106_cmsv2_8fcd1fd2-3e1a-5c31-8eef-132b1a0806df-9722959.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Turkish soldier stands guard as police and soldiers secure an area in Istanbul, 7 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Turkey<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Four dead and 20 injured in second school shooting in Turkey this week\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885790-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885790\" data-cid=\"9719930\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885790-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/99\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_299ed9d1-96e6-50b3-82bc-735e28811177-9719930.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"eter Magyar gestures as he speaks to the media in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, 13 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Can Hungary&#8217;s new government fix an economy in crisis?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886412-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886412\" data-cid=\"9723028\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886412-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/30\/28\/189x106_cmsv2_e0b7ff20-c9e0-5c07-82a1-a9eca34d0925-9723028.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE-Norway's crude oil tanker Breiviken is escorted to the Klaipeda oil terminal in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Thursday, 23 January 2020. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    https:\/\/cms.euronews.tech\/article\/9722861\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886362-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886362\" data-cid=\"9722784\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886362-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/27\/84\/189x106_cmsv2_b03ae48d-ef00-5548-a1f8-b8a71c8e322a-9722784.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker climbs up a damaged residential building in southeastern Tehran, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says Iran war &#8216;very close to over&#8217; as truce talks advance\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886399-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886399\" data-cid=\"9722959\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886399-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/29\/59\/189x106_cmsv2_8fcd1fd2-3e1a-5c31-8eef-132b1a0806df-9722959.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Turkish soldier stands guard as police and soldiers secure an area in Istanbul, 7 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Turkey<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Four dead and 20 injured in second school shooting in Turkey this week\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885790-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885790\" data-cid=\"9719930\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885790-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/99\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_299ed9d1-96e6-50b3-82bc-735e28811177-9719930.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"eter Magyar gestures as he speaks to the media in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, 13 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Can Hungary&#8217;s new government fix an economy in crisis?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Life after Orb\u00e1n: How his crushing defeat is set to transform EU power dynamics<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/03\/66\/1536x864_cmsv2_a7ca3458-a794-595b-8d2b-91823c43f8cd-9720366.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Omar Havana\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Omar Havana\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspJorge Liboreiro\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1776229236\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-04-15 07:00:36 +02:00\">15\/04\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"10:48\">10:48<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay 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height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The Hungarian election has brought the Viktor Orb\u00e1n era to an abrupt end. His defeat is set to transform the power dynamics at the EU table.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The European Council is heading for a revamp. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Its longest-serving member, Viktor Orb\u00e1n, is on his way out after a crushing defeat in a parliamentary election that has brought an abrupt end to his 16 years of uninterrupted, and at times unchecked, power. For the first time in a generation, Hungary will be led by another prime minister, P\u00e9ter Magyar, from another party, Tisza.<\/p>\n<p>The change of guard automatically shifts the power dynamics in the European Union, where Hungary, under Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s tight grip, became synonymous with disruption and obstruction, infuriating leaders left, right and centre.<\/p>\n<p>His notorious use of the veto, a legal tool conceived as a last resort that Orb\u00e1n made customary, was particularly aggravating for other member states. His vetoes were variously described as &#8220;transactional&#8221;, &#8220;bad faith&#8221;, &#8220;unacceptable&#8221; and <strong>&#8220;blackmail&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>A senior diplomat once joked that Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s vetoes were like Russian dolls because &#8220;you never know what comes next after this one&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In recent weeks, the doll comparison morphed into &#8220;Trojan Horse&#8221; following <strong>bombshell revelations<\/strong> that Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s foreign minister regularly briefed his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about key EU decisions. For many, the situation was simply untenable.<\/p>\n<p>The exasperation explains why leaders were so enthusiastic in congratulating Magyar.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Hungary has returned to the very heart of Europe, where it has always belonged,&#8221; said <strong>Ursula von der Leyen<\/strong>, the president of the European Commission, who was demonised by Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s failed campaign as an enemy of Hungary.<\/p>\n<p>France&#8217;s Emmanuel Macron encouraged Magyar to &#8220;join forces for a strong, secure, and above all, united Europe&#8221;, while Spain&#8217;s Pedro S\u00e1nchez declared that European values had won. Germany&#8217;s Friedrich Merz was franker, admitting he was &#8220;very grateful and relieved&#8221; by the results and predicting that &#8220;things will be easier now&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Despite having attended EU summits for 16 continuous years, Orb\u00e1n was noticeably overlooked and received very little attention in the flood of messages.<\/p>\n<p>Italy&#8217;s Giorgia Meloni and the Czech Republic&#8217;s Andrej Babi\u0161, two like-minded colleagues, were among the few who explicitly paid tribute to the outgoing premier.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I know that even from the opposition, he will continue to serve his nation,&#8221; Meloni said.<\/p>\n<h2>&#8216;Cautious optimism&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p>Meanwhile, in Brussels, the main stage of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s vetoes, diplomats and officials are wondering what kind of Hungary will emerge after the history-making election.<\/p>\n<p>For some, the future scenario is still hard to picture, given how much Orb\u00e1n has reshaped the Hungarian state by dismantling checks and balances, undermining the rule of law, capturing the media landscape and deepening links with Moscow.<\/p>\n<p>The fact that Magyar, a conservative, was previously a card-carrying member of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s Fidesz party until he broke ranks in 2024 to lead Tisza has raised some eyebrows.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about their expectations for the winner, diplomats and officials, granted anonymity to speak freely, expressed diverging opinions.<\/p>\n<p>One heralded a &#8220;significant shift&#8221; in both substance and style, with a new Hungary more practical and less contrarian. A second diplomat was much more measured, pointing to Magyar&#8217;s prior association with Fidesz, which might linger on. A third settled for &#8220;cautious optimism&#8221;, with special emphasis on the word &#8220;cautious&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Of course, there is a sense of relief to see a government that has actively sabotaged the EU for years go,&#8221; said an EU official.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/03\/66\/808x539_cmsv2_aa4b2a7e-6b21-5e37-8b1f-a6cab5861fe7-9720366.jpg\" alt='P\u00e9ter Magyar wants to be \"constructive\" at the EU table.'><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">P\u00e9ter Magyar wants to be &#8220;constructive&#8221; at the EU table.<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Amid the assorted views, there is one overarching feeling of hope that, at the very least, Magyar will turn the page on Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s veto-happy era and that collective deliberations will be spared from acrimonious, time-consuming blockages.<\/p>\n<p>Magyar himself has promised that, under his stewardship, Hungary would adopt a &#8220;constructive position&#8221; that is &#8220;critical and willing to debate&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In his first press conference after the election, Magyar addressed one of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s <strong>most contentious decisions<\/strong>: his veto on the \u20ac90 billion loan for Ukraine, which upended a delicate agreement reached by leaders at a make-or-break summit in December. <\/p>\n<p>Magyar said the deal &#8220;was already made&#8221; in December and should not be revisited. He also confirmed that Hungary would retain the opt-out from the joint borrowing, negotiated by Orb\u00e1n, because the country is in a &#8220;very difficult financial situation&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The comments were well received inside the Commission, which has struggled to overcome Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s veto and his demands regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline. A spokesperson said the loan should reach Kyiv &#8220;as soon as possible&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Also still blocked are the 20th round of sanctions against Russia, the opening of accession clusters for Ukraine and \u20ac6.6 billion in military aid for Kyiv.<\/p>\n<h2>Back at the table<\/h2>\n<p>Beyond the vetoes, the prime friction point that EU leaders want to remove, the most pressing task for Magyar is to realign Hungary&#8217;s position in the political constellation and restore ties between Budapest and Brussels, currently at an all-time low.<\/p>\n<p>His professed determination to be &#8220;at the table&#8221; is a 180-degree turn from Orb\u00e1n, who gradually removed himself from the conversation until he became disruptor-in-chief from the sidelines. At a crucial summit in December 2023, Orb\u00e1n was asked to leave the room to enable the necessary consensus \u2013 an unprecedented episode in the bloc.<\/p>\n<p>This isolation is what Magyar seems most keen to avoid.<\/p>\n<p>Party politics are certain to help him. While Orb\u00e1n belongs to the far-right, Eurosceptic Patriots for Europe (PfE), Magyar stems from the European People&#8217;s Party (EPP), the centre-right family that dominates the European Council. That, in itself, is a major advantage for the newcomer to navigate the complex power dynamics.<\/p>\n<p>His approach to Brussels could draw parallels with that of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who came to power in 2023 under the banner of improving Warsaw-Brussels ties and unblocking <strong>billions in EU funds<\/strong>. Magyar faces the exact task.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My working assumption is that Magyar will take on a role similar to Tusk: drop the confrontative vetoes, especially on Ukraine, without significantly changing his positions on migration, climate policy or social issues,&#8221; says Nicolai von Ondarza, a senior researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As the new government will have to focus on reforming the state and cleaning up the corruption structures created by Orb\u00e1n, the outsized importance that Hungary had due to Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s destructive behaviour is likely to be reduced.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/03\/66\/808x454_cmsv2_7afc7bbd-b630-5483-ab89-dfc2efd488e9-9720366.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Fico and Viktor Orb\u00e1n.\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Robert Fico and Viktor Orb\u00e1n.<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hungary&#8217;s realignment at the table, from the fringe to the centre, will be closely followed by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s closest ally in the European Council and espoused similar positions on matters related to Ukraine and Russia.<\/p>\n<p>Fico, like Orb\u00e1n, has courted controversy by resorting to vetoes to <strong>extract concessions<\/strong> in unrelated files. Fico&#8217;s vetoes, however, are not exactly like Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s. Although both are willing to filibuster, the Slovak prefers to maintain an open line of communication with other leaders in a bid to reach a compromise. Orb\u00e1n, by contrast, seems content to maintain the deadlock, regardless of outside pressure.<\/p>\n<p>How Fico behaves without Orb\u00e1n by his side remains to be seen. Some diplomats believe he will remain disruptive. Others predict he will be inevitably weakened.<\/p>\n<p>Either way, the prospect of a veto \u2013 an option at the disposal of any sitting leader, including Magyar \u2013 will continue to hang over the 27-member bloc as it confronts major challenges that demand fast, decisive action.<\/p>\n<p>For Ursula von der Leyen, the post-Orb\u00e1n era should be about &#8220;the lessons learned&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think moving to qualified majority voting in foreign policy is an important way to avoid systemic blockages, as we&#8217;ve seen in the past,&#8221; she said in the wake of the election. &#8220;And we should use the momentum now, really, to move forward on that topic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em>Shona Murray contributed reporting.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Magyar calls on Orb\u00e1n to lift veto on \u20ac90bn Ukraine loan before leaving office<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Von der Leyen aims at &#8216;swift&#8217; progress with Magyar. Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s still blocked<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Brussels says EU age verification check ready amid child safety push<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Peter Magyar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    European Union<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Hungary<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Viktor Orb\u00e1n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2886362-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886362\" data-cid=\"9722784\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886362-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/27\/84\/320x180_cmsv2_b03ae48d-ef00-5548-a1f8-b8a71c8e322a-9722784.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker climbs up a damaged residential building in southeastern Tehran, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says Iran war &#8216;very close to over&#8217; 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as truce talks advance<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886335-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886335\" data-cid=\"9722643\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886335-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/26\/43\/320x180_cmsv2_6d33c95c-dd5c-5831-92c6-204e4b261502-9722643.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"P\u00e9ter Magyar called on his rival to lift the veto on the \u20ac90 billion loan.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Magyar calls on Orb\u00e1n to lift veto on Ukraine loan before his exit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885790-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885790\" data-cid=\"9719930\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885790-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/99\/30\/320x180_cmsv2_299ed9d1-96e6-50b3-82bc-735e28811177-9719930.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"eter Magyar gestures as he speaks to the media in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, 13 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Can Hungary&#8217;s new government fix an economy in crisis?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886399-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886399\" data-cid=\"9722959\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886399-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/29\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_8fcd1fd2-3e1a-5c31-8eef-132b1a0806df-9722959.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Turkish soldier stands guard as police and soldiers secure an area in Istanbul, 7 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Four dead and 20 injured in second school shooting in Turkey this week<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886323-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886323\" data-cid=\"9722583\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886323-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/25\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_3d1229ca-9f34-5f84-b316-4463e5671328-9722583.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Peter Magyar speaks to the media in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, April 13, 2026, after defeating Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party in the country's parliamentary elections. (A\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>     Magyar vows to shut down Hungarian state TV akin to &#8216;North Korea&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884566-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884566\" data-cid=\"9720826\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s largest artificial lake landscape is being created in Germany<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886016-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886016\" data-cid=\"9720958\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greenpeace warns of potential &#8216;catastrophic&#8217; Chernobyl collapse<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886153-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886153\" data-cid=\"9721694\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    P\u00e9ter Magyar&#8217;s axe could soon hit Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s network in Brussels<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886172-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886172\" data-cid=\"9721757\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Conservative MP reportedly calls for DJ Haram to be barred from UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886101-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886101\" data-cid=\"9721465\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018A systemic failure\u2019: EES brings travel chaos to EU border control<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The European Council is heading for a revamp.Its longest-serving member, Viktor Orb\u00e1n, is on his way out after a crushing defeat in a parliamentary election that has brought an abrupt end to his 16 years of uninterrupted, and at times unchecked, power. For the first time in a generation, Hungary will be led by another prime minister, P\u00e9ter Magyar, from another party, Tisza.The change of guard automatically shifts the power dynamics in the European Union, where Hungary, under Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s tight grip, became synonymous with disruption and obstruction, infuriating leaders left, right and centre.His notorious use of the veto, a legal tool conceived as a last resort that Orb\u00e1n made customary, was particularly aggravating for other member states. His vetoes were variously described as &#8220;transactional&#8221;, &#8220;bad faith&#8221;, &#8220;unacceptable&#8221; and &#8220;blackmail&#8221;.A senior diplomat once joked that Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s vetoes were like Russian dolls because &#8220;you never know what comes next after this one&#8221;.In recent weeks, the doll comparison morphed into &#8220;Trojan Horse&#8221; following bombshell revelations that Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s foreign minister regularly briefed his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about key EU decisions. For many, the situation was simply untenable.The exasperation explains why leaders were so enthusiastic in congratulating Magyar.&#8221;Hungary has returned to the very heart of Europe, where it has always belonged,&#8221; said Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, who was demonised by Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s failed campaign as an enemy of Hungary.France&#8217;s Emmanuel Macron encouraged Magyar to &#8220;join forces for a strong, secure, and above all, united Europe&#8221;, while Spain&#8217;s Pedro S\u00e1nchez declared that European values had won. Germany&#8217;s Friedrich Merz was franker, admitting he was &#8220;very grateful and relieved&#8221; by the results and predicting that &#8220;things will be easier now&#8221;.Despite having attended EU summits for 16 continuous years, Orb\u00e1n was noticeably overlooked and received very little attention in the flood of messages.Italy&#8217;s Giorgia Meloni and the Czech Republic&#8217;s Andrej Babi\u0161, two like-minded colleagues, were among the few who explicitly paid tribute to the outgoing premier.&#8221;I know that even from the opposition, he will continue to serve his nation,&#8221; Meloni said.&#8217;Cautious optimism&#8217;Meanwhile, in Brussels, the main stage of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s vetoes, diplomats and officials are wondering what kind of Hungary will emerge after the history-making election.For some, the future scenario is still hard to picture, given how much Orb\u00e1n has reshaped the Hungarian state by dismantling checks and balances, undermining the rule of law, capturing the media landscape and deepening links with Moscow.The fact that Magyar, a conservative, was previously a card-carrying member of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s Fidesz party until he broke ranks in 2024 to lead Tisza has raised some eyebrows.Asked about their expectations for the winner, diplomats and officials, granted anonymity to speak freely, expressed diverging opinions.One heralded a &#8220;significant shift&#8221; in both substance and style, with a new Hungary more practical and less contrarian. A second diplomat was much more measured, pointing to Magyar&#8217;s prior association with Fidesz, which might linger on. A third settled for &#8220;cautious optimism&#8221;, with special emphasis on the word &#8220;cautious&#8221;.&#8221;Of course, there is a sense of relief to see a government that has actively sabotaged the EU for years go,&#8221; said an EU official.Amid the assorted views, there is one overarching feeling of hope that, at the very least, Magyar will turn the page on Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s veto-happy era and that collective deliberations will be spared from acrimonious, time-consuming blockages.Magyar himself has promised that, under his stewardship, Hungary would adopt a &#8220;constructive position&#8221; that is &#8220;critical and willing to debate&#8221;.In his first press conference after the election, Magyar addressed one of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s most contentious decisions: his veto on the \u20ac90 billion loan for Ukraine, which upended a delicate agreement reached by leaders at a make-or-break summit in December.Magyar said the deal &#8220;was already made&#8221; in December and should not be revisited. He also confirmed that Hungary would retain the opt-out from the joint borrowing, negotiated by Orb\u00e1n, because the country is in a &#8220;very difficult financial situation&#8221;.The comments were well received inside the Commission, which has struggled to overcome Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s veto and his demands regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline. A spokesperson said the loan should reach Kyiv &#8220;as soon as possible&#8221;.Also still blocked are the 20th round of sanctions against Russia, the opening of accession clusters for Ukraine and \u20ac6.6 billion in military aid for Kyiv.Back at the tableBeyond the vetoes, the prime friction point that EU leaders want to remove, the most pressing task for Magyar is to realign Hungary&#8217;s position in the political constellation and restore ties between Budapest and Brussels, currently at an all-time low.His professed determination to be &#8220;at the table&#8221; is a 180-degree turn from Orb\u00e1n, who gradually removed himself from the conversation until he became disruptor-in-chief from the sidelines. At a crucial summit in December 2023, Orb\u00e1n was asked to leave the room to enable the necessary consensus \u2013 an unprecedented episode in the bloc.This isolation is what Magyar seems most keen to avoid.Party politics are certain to help him. While Orb\u00e1n belongs to the far-right, Eurosceptic Patriots for Europe (PfE), Magyar stems from the European People&#8217;s Party (EPP), the centre-right family that dominates the European Council. That, in itself, is a major advantage for the newcomer to navigate the complex power dynamics.His approach to Brussels could draw parallels with that of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who came to power in 2023 under the banner of improving Warsaw-Brussels ties and unblocking billions in EU funds. Magyar faces the exact task.&#8221;My working assumption is that Magyar will take on a role similar to Tusk: drop the confrontative vetoes, especially on Ukraine, without significantly changing his positions on migration, climate policy or social issues,&#8221; says Nicolai von Ondarza, a senior researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP).&#8221;As the new government will have to focus on reforming the state and cleaning up the corruption structures created by Orb\u00e1n, the outsized importance that Hungary had due to Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s destructive behaviour is likely to be reduced.&#8221;Hungary&#8217;s realignment at the table, from the fringe to the centre, will be closely followed by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s closest ally in the European Council and espoused similar positions on matters related to Ukraine and Russia.Fico, like Orb\u00e1n, has courted controversy by resorting to vetoes to extract concessions in unrelated files. Fico&#8217;s vetoes, however, are not exactly like Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s. Although both are willing to filibuster, the Slovak prefers to maintain an open line of communication with other leaders in a bid to reach a compromise. Orb\u00e1n, by contrast, seems content to maintain the deadlock, regardless of outside pressure.How Fico behaves without Orb\u00e1n by his side remains to be seen. Some diplomats believe he will remain disruptive. Others predict he will be inevitably weakened.Either way, the prospect of a veto \u2013 an option at the disposal of any sitting leader, including Magyar \u2013 will continue to hang over the 27-member bloc as it confronts major challenges that demand fast, decisive action.For Ursula von der Leyen, the post-Orb\u00e1n era should be about &#8220;the lessons learned&#8221;.&#8221;I think moving to qualified majority voting in foreign policy is an important way to avoid systemic blockages, as we&#8217;ve seen in the past,&#8221; she said in the wake of the election. &#8220;And we should use the momentum now, really, to move forward on that topic.&#8221;Shona Murray contributed reporting.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/04\/15\/life-after-orban-how-his-crushing-defeat-is-set-to-transform-eu-power-dynamics&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/03\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_a7ca3458-a794-595b-8d2b-91823c43f8cd-9720366.jpg&#8221;] Economy https:\/\/cms.euronews.tech\/article\/9722861 USA Trump says Iran war &#8216;very close to over&#8217; as truce talks advance Turkey Four dead and 20 injured in second school shooting in Turkey this week Economy Can Hungary&#8217;s new government fix an economy in crisis? Economy https:\/\/cms.euronews.tech\/article\/9722861 USA Trump says Iran war &#8216;very close to over&#8217; as truce [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1883361","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1883361","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1883361"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1883361\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1883361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1883361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1883361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}