**Hungary’s Former PM Orban Re-elected as Fidesz Party Leader Despite Election Defeat**
*Budapest, Hungary – June 13, 2026* – Viktor Orban, the former Prime Minister of Hungary, has been re-elected as the leader of the Fidesz party for another year, despite the party's significant loss in the recent parliamentary elections held in April. Orban's re-election was confirmed during a party congress where he ran unopposed, receiving the support of 729 out of 737 delegates, according to the state news agency MTI.
The April elections saw Orban's Fidesz party defeated by the Tisza party, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority. This victory has empowered the Tisza party to reverse several constitutional changes implemented by Orban during his tenure, which critics argue have undermined Hungary's democratic institutions, including the judiciary and media.
In his address to the Fidesz congress, Orban acknowledged the party's electoral defeat, stating, “I take full responsibility for the party’s election defeat.” He emphasized his commitment to continue leading the party, declaring, “I do not give up, I never, never, never, never, never give up.” Orban, who has been a dominant figure in Hungarian politics since 2010, described Fidesz as a “fantastic governing party” over the last 16 years but recognized the need for transformation to adapt to its new role as an opposition party.
The recent electoral loss has raised questions about Orban's political future, with some former allies suggesting it might be time for him to step down. This criticism marks a notable shift in the political landscape, as Orban has enjoyed unwavering support from his party and followers for over a decade.
Orban's leadership has been characterized by his promotion of an "illiberal" model of democracy, which has garnered admiration from right-wing conservatives in Europe and the United States. His administration has maintained close ties with influential figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the Tisza party's victory, Prime Minister Magyar has initiated plans to amend the constitution, aiming to remove officials appointed by Orban, including President Tamas Sulyok. Additionally, Magyar's government has signaled a willingness to allow Ukraine to pursue European Union membership, lifting Orban's previous veto on the matter. This decision is expected to facilitate the resumption of Ukraine's EU accession talks, which are set to take place next week in Luxembourg.
In a related development, the European Union has announced plans to release 16.4 billion euros (approximately $19 billion) of the 18 billion euros (around $21 billion) originally allocated to Hungary. These funds had been frozen due to concerns over democratic backsliding, corruption, and the treatment of LGBTQ rights under Orban's government.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting in Hungary, with recent opinion polls indicating a decline in support for Fidesz. A survey conducted by the Publicus Institute revealed that support for the Tisza party rose to 55 percent, up from 53 percent during the election, while backing for Fidesz plummeted to 17 percent, down from 39 percent.
As Orban embarks on another term as Fidesz leader, the party faces the challenge of redefining its identity and strategy in the wake of electoral defeat, while the new government under Magyar begins to implement its agenda for change.