In a significant political upheaval, Viktor Orbán has stepped down from the Hungarian parliament after a landslide election defeat, marking the end of his long-standing rule. Declaring he will not take up his parliamentary seat, Orbán has expressed his desire to lead a renewal of his party, Fidesz, while also hinting at potential plans to move to the USA. His defeat has raised questions about the future of democracy in Hungary, and discussions on how to rebuild it are underway. The new prime minister, Péter Magyar, has already begun reshaping policies and adapting Hungary’s approach to energy and EU relations. As this shift presents new opportunities and challenges, analysts are keenly observing Hungary’s role in broader European dynamics and the lessons it holds for democracies under threat.