WARSAW, April 13 (Reuters) - Hungary's election shows that Europe is not on an inevitable path toward authoritarian rule, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday, after the center-right Tisza
Poland’s Tusk: Hungary Election Signals Shift Away from Authoritarian Rule in Europe
Hungary’s Election and Its Impact on European Politics
End of Viktor Orban’s 16-Year Rule
WARSAW, April 13 (Reuters) - Hungary's election shows that Europe is not on an inevitable path toward authoritarian rule, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday, after the center-right Tisza party nL1N40V01B ended Viktor Orban's 16‑year grip on power.
Concerns Over Authoritarian Trends
"Everyone feared there was a trend toward authoritarian, corrupt regimes," Tusk said while on an official visit to South Korea nP8N40E02Y, according to Polish state-owned news agency PAP.
"That's not the case. First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chisinau, now Budapest."
Regional Political Shifts
Recent Election Outcomes in Central and Eastern Europe
In 2025, centrist Nicusor Dan won a presidential election in Romania and Moldova's pro-European ruling party won a resounding victory over its Russia-aligned rival.
Tusk’s Criticism of Orban’s Government
Tusk had repeatedly criticized nL8N40C139 Orban's government for its close ties with Moscow.
"I'm glad that this part of Europe is showing that we are not doomed to corrupt and authoritarian governments, because that's what Victor Orban's government unfortunately became after many years in power."
Poland-Hungary Relations and Future Cooperation
Historical and Economic Ties
Neighbors Poland and Hungary are linked by their long, shared history, close trade ties and cooperation within the European Union and NATO.
Dialogue Between Leaders
Tusk said he had spoken with Tisza leader Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory.
"We briefly discussed his visit to Warsaw," Tusk said.
"As you know, he long ago chose Warsaw as his first visit for quite obvious reasons. I think our relationship will be absolutely exceptional."
(Reporting by Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Kevin Buckland)
