The most significant political earthquake of the week struck Central Europe. In Budapest, thousands of jubilant Hungarians packed Batthyany Square in scenes described as being “like a mosh pit” to celebrate the ousting of hardline leader Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power. Correspondents on the ground described an atmosphere of euphoria as citizens marked what many see as the dawn of a new political era for Hungary.
Orbán, who had reshaped Hungary’s political institutions, media landscape, and international relationships over nearly two decades, had long drawn criticism from European Union partners for his authoritarian tendencies and close relationship with Moscow. His departure represents one of the most consequential political shifts in Europe in years — and the scenes of celebration in Budapest suggest just how deeply many Hungarians feel the change. [8][9][10][11]
