Viktor Orbán remains Fidesz president after party congress

Viktor Orbán has been re-elected president of Hungary's ruling Fidesz party for another year, following a party congress in Budapest.

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I have no intention of giving up and I will fight to bring Fidesz back to power.

Orbán secured 729 votes in favor, with eight abstentions, running as the sole candidate. He declared his intention to continue fighting for Fidesz's return to power. The party, along with its allies the Christian Democrats, won only 52 of the 199 seats in parliament during the April elections, marking a significant defeat.

Following the electoral loss, Orbán relinquished his parliamentary seat but committed to leading the party without a salary. At the congress, he accepted responsibility for the election outcome, admitting to "strategic mistakes." He expressed regret that Fidesz, after 16 years in power, had become a "paramilitary organization" and lost its societal authority.

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I am responsible for strategic mistakes.

Orbán identified several reasons for the election failure, including the unpopularity of party leaders among young people, an inability to counter opponents' accusations effectively, and governmental actions that failed to address economic downturns in Europe and the conflict in Ukraine. He also cited external interference, including from EU and Ukrainian leaders, as a negative factor.

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The party, which was in power for the last 16 years, has become a 'paramilitary organization' and lost its authority in society.

Orbán assured delegates of his readiness to implement a "radical reconstruction" of the party by autumn, from "the basement to the roof." This overhaul will involve updating the party program and restructuring Fidesz to better connect with voters, maintain popular contact, and increase regional activity.

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external interference, including from EU and Ukrainian leaders.