It was a late night in Budapest.
Shortly before 11 p.m., the leader of the opposition Tisza party, Péter Magyar, gave a historic victory speech on Batthyány Square with the illuminated Hungarian Parliament, Országház, as a backdrop. Levente Sándor sent a video: thousands of people filled the promenade and the Chain Bridge over the Danube, dancing, singing and waving Hungarian flags.
The mood was triumphant, almost feverish. A man held up a sign reading “dictator” for Viktor Orbán; on a Fidesz poster someone had scrawled the words “it's over.”
On Monday morning, Levente Sándor lost his voice.
I'm just crying. This beautiful little country has proven that there is a God.
“He knew”
With around half of the votes counted, incumbent Prime Minister Orbán conceded defeat. Levente Sándor is not surprised by how quickly it happened. Independent polls had pointed to a convincing victory for the opposition.
He knew. For weeks, Orbán had known this would happen.
A new era is beginning in Hungary. Tisza looks set to win 138 of the 199 seats in parliament, a so-called supermajority that would pave the way for constitutional changes. Magyar has promised sweeping reforms aimed at fighting corruption within the state apparatus, and analysts expect an immediate improvement in relations with the EU.
"I really hope he does everything right for our country now," says Levente Sándor.
Important time ahead
Budapest resident Márta Bolba is happy, but not without reservations. The next six months will be crucial, she believes.
"I hope Tisza does not break his promises to the Hungarian voters," she writes in a message to TT.
"The hope is that they rebuild the democratic institutions and mechanisms to check power, to prevent more injustices."
