Much of the campaign focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which raised many questions about Mr Orban’s long-standing relationship with President Vladimir Putin. In his speech, Mr Orban referred to Zelensky and the Brussels bureaucrats as the “opponents” he had to defeat during the election campaign. With 91% of the vote counted, Mr Orban’s Fidesz coalition won 53% of the vote, while the opposition United for Hungary coalition, led by Peter Marki-Zay, had just over 34%. These were the most difficult elections in Hungary since Mr Orban came to power in 2010, after six opposition parties united under one opposition to the ruling party. Still, he was happy with the size of his last election triumph. “This was a huge victory,” Mr Orban told supporters in Budapest late Sunday. “They can see it from the moon, but certainly from Brussels. “We will remember this victory for the rest of our lives because we had to fight against a huge number of opponents.” In addition to Mr Zelensky and the Brussels bureaucrats, Mr Orban also mentioned the international media in his list of opponents. “We have never had so many opponents at the same time,” he added. The leader of the Hungarian opposition Peter Marki-Zai (AFP via Getty Images) As Hungary continues to rely on Russian energy, Mr Orban is the only EU leader to openly criticize Zelensky, which has prevented the EU from launching a united front against Russia. Mr Orban already has a strained relationship with the EU, which he believes has undermined Hungary’s democratic institutions. During his 12 years in power, Orban has rewritten the constitution, filled the supreme courts with his appointees, and changed the electoral system in his favor. It also promoted legislation targeting immigrants and the LGBT + community. Mr Zelensky has been critical of Mr Orban’s policies and called on the leader for the lack of support from Hungary and refusal to supply the nation with weapons. “Lithuania represents us. Latvia represents us. Estonia represents us. Poland represents us. France – Emmanuel [Macron]”I really believe you will support us,” Zelenski told the EU in March. “Hungary λω I want to stop here and be honest. “Once and for all,” he continued. “You have to decide for yourself who you are with. “Listen, Victor, do you know what is happening in Mariupol?” Mr Zelensky was referring to the besieged port city, which has been badly damaged by Russian forces. Having a common border with Ukraine, Hungary has so far accepted more than half a million refugees. Mr Orban continues to insist that he keeps Hungary out of the war by helping only the people and not by supplying weapons to Ukraine. It has condemned the Russian invasion and has not vetoed EU sanctions against Russia, but has refused to go any further.
