Polish leader hails Hungary vote as “blow to authoritarian rule”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has described Hungary’s election outcome as evidence that Europe is not on an inevitable path toward authoritarian rule, following the defeat of Viktor Orbán’s long-standing governing bloc.

Speaking while on an official visit to South Korea, Tusk said the result showed a broader regional shift away from illiberal politics, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Everyone feared there was a trend toward authoritarian, corrupt regimes," Tusk said while on an official visit to South Korea, according to Polish state-owned ⁠news agency PAP.

"That's not the case. First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chisinau, now Budapest."

The result marks a significant political turning point in Hungary, where Orbán had been in power for 16 years before the centre-right Tisza party secured victory.

In 2025, centrist Nicușor Dan won a presidential election in Romania and Moldova's pro-European ruling party won a resounding victory over its Russia-aligned rival, developments Tusk pointed to as part of a wider regional trend.

Tusk has been a long-standing critic of Orbán’s government, particularly over its close ties with Moscow.

"I'm glad that this part of Europe is showing that we ‌are ⁠not doomed to corrupt and authoritarian governments, because that's what Victor Orban's government unfortunately became after many years in power."

Poland and Hungary remain closely linked through shared history, strong trade ties and cooperation within the European Union and NATO.

Tusk also said he had spoken with Tisza leader Péter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory.

"We briefly discussed his visit to Warsaw," Tusk said.

"As you know, he long ⁠ago chose Warsaw as his first visit for quite obvious reasons. I think our relationship will be absolutely exceptional."

By Aghakazim Guliyev