‘A truly historic moment’: BBC reports from Hungary as Viktor Orbán concedes election
A Truly Historic Moment: BBC Reports From Hungary as Viktor Orbán Concedes Election
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has officially acknowledged electoral loss after 16 years in office, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political direction. The opposition party is expected to secure a decisive majority, signaling a turning point for Hungary and its role in European politics. With over 66% of ballots tallied, Péter Magyar is poised to become the country’s next leader, following an unprecedented voter turnout that underscored the stakes of this pivotal contest.
The BBC’s Rajini Vaidyanathan reported from outside the parliamentary complex, where crowds gathered to hear the news of Orbán’s resignation. Meanwhile, in the Vatican, the Harlem Globetrotters entertained Pope Francis with a demonstration of their signature basketball skills, including a trick where he balanced the ball on his fingertip.
Other Notable Events Across Europe and Beyond
A mother of a 16-year-old girl, tragically killed by a scrambler, described the aftermath as a “living nightmare.” In Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit reflected on her past connection with late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, expressing regret over their meeting. A commercial flight from Dubai touched down in Dublin, restoring air travel after a period disrupted by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
“It is inconceivable that the man I shared my life with could have committed these horrors,” said Ms Pelicot, recounting the brutality she witnessed. Jessica and Jacques Moretti face criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and negligent arson.
Storms named Marta and Leonardo triggered severe flooding in Spain, displacing thousands. In Italy, a €2 fee was introduced for visitors to the iconic fountain in Rome, which had long been accessible for free. A town in northern Italy kicked off its annual carnival with the Battle of the Oranges, as citizens hurled fruit in celebration.
Residents in Kyiv, Ukraine, found fleeting joy in unexpected moments despite ongoing power outages and harsh winter conditions caused by Russian attacks. Over 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes on an Italian island following recent flooding. The Italian fire brigade shared footage of a wolf rescued from beneath a bridge, highlighting the country’s emergency response efforts.
Russia editor Steve Rosenberg provided updates from the outskirts of Moscow, where Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was injured in an ambush. In Oslo, Paul Kirby covered the courtroom proceedings as Marius Borg Høiby faced charges of rape and multiple other offenses. The collapse of a cooling tower at the decommissioned Frimmersdorf power plant in Germany drew international attention to the region’s aging infrastructure.
Nazar Daletskyi’s family was informed of his death in 2022, the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Onlookers in Rome attended the funeral of renowned fashion designer Valentino, who passed away at 93. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continued to impact civilians, with eyewitnesses recounting the devastation they endured on the Russian front lines.
