India, April 14 -- Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in Hungary's 2026 election, bringing an end to his 16-year tenure in power.

His party secured 55 seats in the 199-member parliament, marking a sharp decline from the dominant position it had held since 2010.

Orban's exit follows a long period in which he remained one of Europe's most polarising political figures, shaping Hungary's domestic policies and its engagement with the European Union.

From reformist beginnings to consolidated power

Orban first rose to prominence as a liberal reformer in post-communist Hungary, becoming Prime Minister in 1998 at the age of 35.

His early tenure focused on economic reforms, including tax changes, foreign investment and administrative modernisati...