Orban's Fall
Budapest, 2026
For 16 years, Viktor Orbán held a tight grip on Hungary, reshaping it into an 'illiberal' democracy. I spent three days in Budapest documenting the final stretch of his rule and the rise of Péter Magyar’s Tisza party.
Two days ahead of Hungary’s highly anticipated election, more than 100,000 people gathered at Heroes’ Square and the surrounding avenues in Budapest. The event served as a rallying call urging citizens to head to the polls on Sunday and vote out the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
People tearing down campaign posters in the streets of Budapest.
The 1956 Monument in Budapest
Orban's loyal followers gathered at his final campaign rally one day before the elections.
Large crowds celebrated the defeat of Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party.
Relief swept through the streets as the opposition party, Tisza, secured victory.
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Portraits for Bühne Magazine
Mael