Budapest's iconic Chain Bridge links both sides of the city - beautiful Buda with vibrant Pest - across the river Danube. Normally, it's a favourite spot for tourist selfies - but not this Sunday.
Following a historic election result that unceremoniously booted Prime Minister Viktor Orbán out after 16 years in government, the bridge was lit up in green, white and red - the colors of the Hungarian flag.
Supporters of the triumphant Péter Magyar and his Tisza party said they felt they were getting their country back. A sentiment Magyar reflected back to them in his victory speech.
We did it, he said. We brought down the Orbán regime - together we liberated Hungary. We took back our homeland! Thank you! Thank you all!
Record-breaking voter turnout mirrored the significant shift in public sentiment toward change. Despite Orbán's dominance over media and efforts to skew the electoral system in his favor, he was decisively defeated.
Crowds danced and celebrated in Budapest's backstreets, many first-time voters expressing disbelief and joy. I cried when I put the X on my ballot paper, Zofia told me. I still can't quite believe we did it. But we did!
Amongst the jubilations, chants of Russians Go home! were echoed, manifesting frustrations toward Orbán's association with Vladimir Putin, which had become increasingly polarized among Hungarians.
In contrast to previous days, where Orbán used his public appearances to warn against the threat from Ukraine, Magyar's victory signals a potential pivot toward a more European-aligned stance while promising reforms to the flagging economy.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine welcomed Magyar's victory, seeing an opportunity for collaboration. Conversely, Orbán’s removal poses a substantial loss for Russia, who relied on the Hungarian leader as an ally within the EU.
Hungarian citizens' priorities now shift towards domestic issues — improving the economy and public services will be followed closely as Magyar embarks on leading the nation. For many, this is not simply a belief in a new leader, but a collective aspiration for recovery and a resurgence of democratic integrity.
Grinning with happiness late on Sunday and surrounded by jubilant supporters, Magyar told the crowds: Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get to work! As Hungary looks forward, it does so with renewed hope for political change and unity within Europe.
