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Hungary's longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in the country's parliamentary election after partial official results showed Peter Magyar's Tisza party winning a landslide victory.With 53.45% of precincts counted, Tisza stood at 52.49% and Orban's Fidesz at 38.83%. In a victory speech, Magyar said his voters had rewritten history, stating, 'Tonight, truth prevailed over lies. Today, we won because Hungarians didn’t ask what their homeland could do for them – they asked what they could do for their homeland.'The partial count showed Tisza ahead in 95 of Hungary's 106 constituencies, with the party projected to win more than 130 mandates in the 199-seat parliament. This comfortable two-thirds majority could allow Tisza to amend Hungary's constitution.Orban's defeat will have significant implications not only for Hungary but also for the European Union, Ukraine, and beyond. It may spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a €90 billion ($105bn) loan to war-battered Ukraine, which was blocked by Orban.Orban's exit could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary that the bloc had suspended due to what Brussels said was Orban's erosion of democratic standards. Additionally, it would deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU and send shockwaves through Western right-wing circles.

Hungarians are casting their votes in a parliamentary election that could mark a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a eurosceptic nationalist, is facing his biggest electoral challenge after 16 years in power.The election for the 199-seat parliament began at 6am local time (0400 GMT) and is set to close at 7 pm (0500 GMT). Opinion polls over the last two weeks have shown Orban's Fidesz party trailing Peter Magyar's upstart centre-right opposition Tisza party by 7-9 percentage points, with Tisza at around 38-41 percent.Orban has framed the election as a choice between 'war and peace', warning that Tisza's victory could drag Hungary into Russia's war with Ukraine. However, many Hungarians have grown weary of Orban's 16-year rule, citing economic stagnation, soaring living costs, and reports of oligarchs close to the government accumulating wealth.A 24-year-old Budapest resident, Kriszta Tokes, expressed her concerns, stating, 'I am very excited but also very scared... I know that my future depends on this.' She added that she plans to leave Hungary if Orban wins.Despite the challenges, Orban remains optimistic, telling supporters in his birthplace Szekesfehervar, 'If we know ourselves well, if we know our country well and if we know our own people well, then I must say Hungarians will vote for safety on Sunday.'

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is facing a critical election that could determine the future of his 16-year rule. For the first time in his tenure, Orban's position appears uncertain, with many Hungarians seeking change.The election on Sunday will see around eight million voters choose between stability under Orban and a potential shift in power. Peter Magyar, Orban's centre-right, pro-European Union contender, has been attracting large crowds of supporters, with polls indicating his Tisza party is comfortably ahead of Orban's Fidesz.A visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest and an endorsement by President Donald Trump did not seem to boost Orban's chances. Instead, public frustration over issues like the Iran war and rising prices may have cost him votes.Orban's campaign rhetoric, which includes warnings that Hungary could be dragged into the Ukraine war, has started to lose traction with long-time Fidesz supporters. Marta Bognar, a former Fidesz supporter, expressed her discontent, stating, 'We need change. If there is no change, I believe there could even be a civil war.'The opposition cites widespread corruption and a feudal system built by Orban as reasons for their support for Magyar. The outcome of the election remains uncertain due to Hungary's complex electoral system, which could favour the ruling party.

Aaron Ramsey, a name synonymous with Welsh football excellence, has officially retired from the sport. His career was marked by early promise, rapid rise to international stardom, and a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.Ramsey's journey began with Wales' national team debut at just 17, a testament to his prodigious talent. He quickly became a cornerstone of the team, known for his exceptional technique, vision, and creativity on the field. His performances earned him captaincy by the age of 20, a rare honor that underscored his leadership qualities and influence.One of the defining moments of Ramsey's career was his heroic performance in Euro 2016, where Wales reached the semi-finals, a feat that rekindled the nation's passion for football. His four assists and one goal in the tournament showcased his skill and determination. Ramsey's absence in the semi-final due to suspension was deeply felt, as Wales were eventually eliminated by Portugal.Despite struggling with injuries that plagued him throughout his career, Ramsey's impact on Welsh football cannot be overstated. He was a key player in qualifying for Euro 2020, scoring crucial goals against Hungary. His partnership with Gareth Bale was particularly notable, as they inspired victories and memorable moments for Welsh fans.As Wales failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, fans will look back on Ramsey's contributions with gratitude and admiration. He is undoubtedly a shoo-in for Wales' all-time XI, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.

US Vice President JD Vance labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's comments about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as “completely scandalous” during a stop in Budapest. Vance’s remarks came as Hungary prepares for a critical parliamentary election on April 12, the toughest test of Orban’s 16‑year rule. Vance, speaking at a Hungarian university, said that a foreign head of government should never threaten the leader of an allied nation. He added that the media shows a double standard when it highlights alleged foreign interference in the 2016 U.S. election but downplays similar concerns in the Hungarian vote. Budapest has long accused Kyiv of attempting to influence the election by disrupting the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Kyiv counters that the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone attack in late January and is being repaired as quickly as possible. In retaliation, Hungary blocked a €90 billion (≈$105 billion) EU loan intended for Ukraine. Zelenskyy responded by warning that he could provide the identity of those responsible to the Ukrainian army, saying they could “speak with him in their own language.” Vance also criticized the European Union, arguing that withholding billions of euros from Hungary for “border protection” and Ukraine’s pipeline shutdown are not acts of foreign influence but rather political pressure. The European Commission said it would convey its concerns to Washington through diplomatic channels, highlighting the growing friction between the EU, the United States, and Hungary over the upcoming election. These developments illustrate how the Hungarian vote has become a flashpoint for broader geopolitical rivalries, linking domestic politics with U.S.‑EU coordination, Ukraine’s war‑time financing, and the future of EU‑Hungary relations.

Vice President JD Vance warned Iran that jeopardising the US‑Iran ceasefire over Lebanon would be "dumb", emphasizing that the United States expects the truce to remain intact despite Tehran’s frustrations. Pakistan, which brokered the two‑week ceasefire, publicly stated that Lebanon is part of the agreement. Vance, speaking to reporters in Hungary, countered that the United States does not consider Israel’s ongoing strikes on Lebanon as covered by the ceasefire. "If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart – in a conflict where they were getting hammered – over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice," Vance said, adding, "We think that would be dumb, but that’s their choice." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed Pakistan’s position, highlighting Lebanon in his repost of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement and asserting that the ceasefire terms are clear: the US must choose either a ceasefire or continued war via Israel. President Donald Trump and the White House, however, maintain that Lebanon was not part of the deal. Vance dismissed the contradictory messages as a "misunderstanding" and "bad faith propaganda," suggesting the Iranians mistakenly believed Lebanon was included. The lack of a clear explanation from US officials leaves observers questioning how such a misunderstanding could arise amid high‑stakes diplomacy. Israel’s track record of breaching ceasefires dates back to the November 2024 truce with Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israeli air strikes in Lebanon killed at least 254 people and injured more than 1,100, marking one of the deadliest assaults in the 15‑month conflict. Vance indicated that Israel has signaled a willingness to temper its operations in Lebanon, stating the Israelis have "committed to check themselves a little bit in Lebanon" to ensure the US‑Iran negotiations stay on track. The broader conflict intensified in early March after Hezbollah launched rockets in retaliation for Israeli attacks and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah now faces internal pressure from rival factions accusing it of dragging Lebanon into war on Iran’s behalf. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning: if Israeli aggression against Lebanon does not cease immediately, the IRGC will deliver a "regretful response" to what it called "evil aggressors" in the region.

János Bődey's photograph of two elderly ladies dressed as bride and groom in a Hungarian retirement home has captured the essence of joy and love in old age. The image is part of his series Carnival at the Retirement Home, which showcases the fulfilling lives of pensioners who have overcome difficulties.In Hungary, the average pension is approximately £500 a month, making it challenging for retirees to afford leisure, culture, or travel. Additionally, the health of Hungarian pensioners often falls short of Western standards, and securing a spot in a retirement home can be a lengthy process.Bődey's subjects, Magdolna, 87, and Irén, 86, have lived with their husbands for over 50 and 62 years, respectively, until their spouses passed away. They attribute their long and happy lives to a combination of good genes, an active lifestyle, and a healthy marriage.The photographer's series aims to serve as a role model for both peers and the middle generation, demonstrating that it's possible to lead a fulfilling life in old age. The elderly ladies recommend a healthy, active life with plenty of walking and traveling, as well as avoiding debt.Bődey's work is a departure from his usual coverage of conflicts and social issues. He finds inspiration in the happiness and playfulness of the carnival celebrations, which begin in February to mark the end of winter.The photographer's experience has taught him the importance of preparing for retirement by gathering emotional and financial resources, setting goals, and being creative. His series has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 and will be exhibited at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance touched down in Budapest on Tuesday for a two‑day series of bilateral meetings, a move the White House billed as a show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary election. Orban’s Fidesz Party faces its toughest test in more than a decade, with recent polls indicating the opposition enjoys an 8‑12 percentage‑point advantage, and some surveys showing a lead as high as 20 points. Princeton sociologist Kim Lane Scheppele warned that Vance’s visit, while symbolically important, is unlikely to significantly alter the electoral math. “One visit by a relatively low‑profile American vice president is not going to change that,” she said. Nevertheless, the trip underscores the close ties between the Trump administration and Orban. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Orban in February, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Hungary that same month, signaling U.S. backing for the right‑wing leader. Orban’s 16‑year rule has been marked by the erosion of judicial independence and media freedom, reforms that critics argue tilt the electoral system in Fidesz’s favour. Yet the opposition, led by 45‑year‑old former Fidesz insider Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party, is rallying around anti‑corruption and economic grievances. Magyar’s campaign promises a more constructive relationship with the European Union, hoping to restore billions of euros in funding suspended in 2022 over democratic backsliding. He positions himself as centre‑right, sharing many of Orban’s policy stances but rejecting the incumbent’s alleged corruption. “Magyar is centre‑right; he’s basically a believer in much of what Orban has done, minus the corruption,” Scheppele noted, adding that his eurosceptic leanings could still facilitate the return of EU money. The Hungarian‑U.S. connection extends beyond politics to financial incentives. Scheppele highlighted that Trump has hinted—though not formally promised—a fiscal safety net for Orban if he wins, reminiscent of U.S. aid pledges made to right‑wing allies in Argentina’s 2025 elections. “If Vance makes that kind of announcement, it could be a real game‑changer,” she warned, suggesting that a concrete U.S. financial commitment could bolster Orban’s standing in the final days of the campaign. Orban’s appeal to the U.S. far right has been evident since Hungary hosted the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2024, where Trump lauded him as a defender of “Western civilisation.” The personal rapport between Orban’s political director and Vance—evident in a 2024 photo captioned ‘A Trump‑Vance administration sounds just right’—further cements this transatlantic alliance. As the election approaches, the key question remains whether symbolic diplomatic support or a tangible financial pledge will prove decisive in a race where domestic issues—corruption, social services, and economic stagnation— dominate voter concerns.

Joe Eszterhas, the swaggering pitchman of 80s and 90s Hollywood, has lived a life of excess and creativity. He wrote hits like Jagged Edge and co-scripted Flashdance, earning a then-record $3m for his Basic Instinct screenplay.Eszterhas's life story is a harrowing, rollicking immigrant's tale that whisks its hero from his birth in war-torn Hungary through the refugee camps of Allied-occupied Austria to the US rust belt. He covered the Kent State massacre as a cub reporter and interviewed Charles Manson in prison.Now 81, Eszterhas is plotting a Hollywood comeback with a rebooted Basic Instinct. He received a reported $2m from Amazon MGM studios for his script and stands to make a further $2m if and when it is filmed. The new story juggles copycat serial killers with elements of the supernatural.Eszterhas has always relished a good public scrap, and his reboot is described as anti-woke. This has sparked concerns that he may be co-opted and become a political football. However, Eszterhas insists that he is not afraid of controversy and sexuality.Despite his past struggles with drinking and drugs, Eszterhas has been clean and sober for decades. He has written a 750-page memoir, Hollywood Animal, and told his Tinseltown war stories on a recent multi-part media podcast, Ugly, Irresponsible, & Childish.