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 colours of the Hungarian flag.
Supporters of the triumphant Péter Magyar and his Tisza party said they felt they were getting their country back. A sense 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!
There was a definite sense here that history was being made. Voter turnout was record-breaking. Despite Orbán's iron grip on state media, the changes he introduced to the electoral system to favour his party and the huge influence his friends and family members have in positions of power, the Fidesz leader was totally trounced at the polls.
Crowds of first-time voters danced through Budapest's backstreets, drunk with a heady mix of hope and incredulity in the early hours of Monday morning. I cried when I put the X on my ballot paper, one voter said, expressing disbelief at the result, while others chanted slogans demanding a departure from Russian influence.
The political landscape is shifting, marking an ironic turn for Orbán, who once urged Russians to depart Hungary. Backed by Moscow, Orbán's pro-Kremlin stance was a stark contrast to the pro-European sentiments now emerging under Magyar's direction, who has committed to rebuilding ties with Europe and diminishing Hungary's reliance on Russia.
Internationally, the ousting of Orbán poses challenges for Moscow, as Hungary loses a sympathetic voice within the EU. The new leadership is expected to align more closely with Ukraine, prompting a warm welcome from President Volodymyr Zelensky, while disapproving murmurs arise from figures such as US President Donald Trump, lamenting his ally's political downfall.
The electorate's decision reflects frustration with Orbán's governance, economic decline, and perceived corruption, leading even loyal supporters to reconsider their allegiance. As Magyar prepares to take office, he faces a surge of domestic expectations, with many prioritizing economic recovery and improved public services.
As the sun sets on Orbán's era, Péter Magyar's commitment to reform signals a potential turning point for Hungary, with hopes that a new government can restore faith and drive positive change.
