Cologne, 13 April 2026

Hungary proves doubters of democracy wrong.
Hungary has entered a new political phase following a historic parliamentary election marked by a record high turnout of 79.56%. Voters elected Péter Magyar to be the next Prime Minister, with his party securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority. The result marks a significant moment for European democracy, following nearly two decades of democratic backsliding and institutional concentration of power led by Viktor Orbán.
Democracy International conducted an independent election monitoring visit to Hungary from 9 to 13 April 2026 to assess the broader electoral environment, including campaign conditions, media dynamics, and the role of civil society on the ground.
“This election shows that even in a highly constrained and uneven playing field, democratic change remains possible,” said Daniela Vancic, who led the monitoring visit. “The lesson is that authoritarian projects are not inevitable nor irreversible, but they are also not easily undone.”
Closely followed across Europe and the world, the election is widely seen as a turning point in Hungary’s approach to European and democratic standards. The outcome has raised expectations among civil society actors to find an ally in the face of the newly elected government. 
With a two-thirds majority, the new Magyar government has the capacity to enact significant institutional and constitutional reforms. At the same time, we recognise that rebuilding democratic safeguards will require sustained political will and long-term commitment. 
“The real work begins now,” said Vancic. “Expectations for democratic renewal and transparency are high. Progress will be measured by concrete reforms starting from day one.”
Civil society organisations in Hungary emphasise that the post-election period will be decisive. While the election result marks a political shift, the consolidation of democratic standards will depend on continued engagement, oversight, and reform in the months and years ahead.