Orban to Leave Parliament After Election Defeat

Viktor Orban is set to leave parliament after 36 years. According to Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), he announced on social media that he will step down after the inaugural session of the newly elected parliament.

He said his role at this stage was to reorganize the “patriotic camp” rather than remain in the legislature. Orban plans to stay on as leader of Fidesz, while his future role is expected to be decided at the party’s congress in June. The parliamentary group will be led by his close ally Gergely Gulyas.

His position weakened sharply after the election defeat, in which Fidesz won nearly 39% of the vote but lost more than 80 seats. Peter Magyar’s victorious party also secured a constitutional majority.

Internal criticism within Fidesz has grown since the defeat, focusing on the campaign, the issues raised and allegations of corruption surrounding the party leadership.

Orban has acknowledged responsibility for the result, but it remains unclear whether he will retain control of the party.

(max)