French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary’s parliamentary elections marks the loss of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “Trojan horse” within the European Union. Orban, who has led Hungary since 2010, frequently clashed with the European Commission over Hungary’s adherence to EU treaties, and his government has been criticized for undermining the rule of law and blocking EU aid to Ukraine.

Barrot urged Orban’s successor, Péter Magyar, to fulfill promises of restoring democratic principles, lifting Hungary’s vetoes on EU decisions, and helping the country reintegrate fully into the European community. The French media also highlighted concerns over outgoing Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s communications with Russian officials, underscoring Hungary’s previous alignment with Moscow.