Hungarian student on historic election: “Everyone was happy and relieved”

Rays of hope and optimism have started to shine for Hungarian citizens as Péter Magyar, leader of the Tiszar Party, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister. The recent election brought out a historical turnout, after former prime minister, Victor Orbán, lost following his 16-year term.

Torma went to Oslo to vote along with another Hungarian students. 

– It was great giving it an occasion, to go to Oslo, to be there for the country, she says. 

The anticipation as results drew closer 

She stayed in the capital for three days. On the election day she spent hours watching the news channels such as Telex and reading Hungarian newspapers. She kept an eye on how many people went to vote, and the result was reaching 78.94 percent.

– Every two hours we checked and saw the participation rate growing higher. The total was much higher than previous years. It was very, very exciting, she says.

The hours spent waiting for the results were full of excitement and joy. As the polls began to close, Torma witnessed the moments that went viral on Instagram, such as a member of parliament dancing on the stage as the country celebrated.

– Family, friends, everyone that was in the country then told me that everyone was happy and relieved, she smiles.

Life under Orbán’s rule 

Being five years old when Orbán was sworn in as Prime Minister, Torma spent 16 years under the same government in power. While watching the elections unfold, Torma reminisced about the time under the Fidesz Leader. 

Torma described Orbán's rhetoric to be full of fear and hatred. He was always painted some kind of enemy to the Hungarian people. She viewed it as having become "used to a low standard of living".

– It became a normal way of thinking. How the education system worked. Teachers were not content, doctors aren’t content. You went through the public health system, but waited four months to get in, Torma says.

She thinks these standards  were maintained by Orbán, but also exists due to the country's historical background.

What’s next for Hungary?

Although she thinks that Mágyar has given hope to citizens for a change, he still raises skepticism among some. 

– The former member of Fidesz is seen as “very confident”, and there are still many things to reconstruct due to the past government. For example Hungary’s constitutional law, she explains.

However, Torma sees this opportunity for change as a group effort.

– I don’t think this is only a call for action of the party but also of the civilians. We need to be more active, and take responsibility, Torma says.

Péter Magyar is set to be Prime Minister for the next four years and he is also allowed to run for a second term. Even if Torma is not in Hungary to experience directly the buzz of the recent win, she looks forward to what the future holds.

– I wish I could be in Hungary to be part of change, to take responsibility, to do something. I’m excited to be home to see that after my exchange, she concludes.