Orbán and Vučić face electoral defeats in Hungary and Serbia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have both suffered significant electoral setbacks. In Hungary, Orbán lost his position in April to Péter Magyar and the Tisza party. In Serbia, a young student movement secured a wide parliamentary majority.

The political shift in Serbia was catalyzed by the November 1, 2024, collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. This tragedy led to widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement regarding public works projects. The incident highlighted systemic issues in state procurement, involving construction firms with ties to both Serbian and Hungarian leadership.

Analysts note that the two political shifts are linked. Serbian activists reportedly drew inspiration from the Hungarian political transition and utilized digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to monitor the electoral process and ensure voter protection. Voter turnout reached 69% in Serbia and 79% in Hungary.