“I never give up.” Viktor Orbán was re-elected Fidesz leader, despite parliamentary election defeat

Viktor Orbán has been re-elected as the leader of Hungary's Fidesz party, securing another year in the position with a decisive mandate from the party's delegates. The vote took place on Saturday, June 13, with 729 out of 737 delegates supporting his leadership, in the absence of any opposing candidates.

Despite a significant defeat for Fidesz in the recent parliamentary elections, which led some former associates to call for his withdrawal, Orbán's re-election signals his continued influence within the party. The 62-year-old nationalist leader has been a prominent figure for right-wing conservatives in Europe and the United States, known for promoting an "illiberal" model of democracy.

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I never give up, never, never, never, never, never give up.

In his address to the congress, Orbán declared, "I never give up, never, never, never, never, never give up." He acknowledged the party's electoral setback, stating that Fidesz had been a "fantastic governing party" for 16 years but now needs to transform into an effective opposition force ready to govern again. He took full responsibility for the election results.

Recent polling indicates a sharp decline in Fidesz's popularity. A May survey by the Publicus Institute showed the new TISZA party, led by Peter Magyar, commanding 55% support, compared to Fidesz's 17%. This contrasts sharply with the election results, where Fidesz garnered 39% support, while TISZA's predecessor party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

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Fidesz was a fantastic governing party for 16 years, but it must undergo changes to become a functional opposition party, ready to govern again.