Hungary's election shows that Europe is not on an inevitable path to authoritarian rule, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday, after the center-right Tisza party ended Viktor Orban's 16-year hold on power.
"Everyone feared that there was a trend towards authoritarian and corrupt regimes," Tusk said during an official visit to South Korea, according to the Polish state news agency PAP.
"That's not the case. First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chisinau, now Budapest."
In 2025, centrist Nicusor Dan won the presidential election in Romania, while Moldova's pro-European ruling party won a landslide victory over its Russia-linked rival.
Tusk has repeatedly criticized Orban's government for its close ties with Moscow.
"I am pleased that this part of Europe is showing that we are not doomed to have corrupt and authoritarian governments, because that is what Viktor Orban's government unfortunately turned into after many years in power."
Neighbors Poland and Hungary are linked by their long shared history, close trade ties, and cooperation within the European Union and NATO.
Tusk said he spoke with Tisza's leader, Peter Magyar, to congratulate him on his victory.
"We briefly discussed his visit to Warsaw," Tusk said.
"As you know, he had long ago chosen Warsaw as his first visit for quite obvious reasons. I think our relationship will be absolutely extraordinary."
t7 live
