Anyone working in history of comedy/satire, television, modern British politics - there's a fully funded PhD to research the Spitting Image archive @theul.bsky.social, with supervision at Exeter Uni. All disciplines considered, pls do share widely.
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Yes and Democrats need to stop letting their conservative ideological commitments get in the way of advancing an array of candidates who excite the base that does things like knock on doors, make phone calls, and organize people to vote
one immediate dramatic consequence of the Hungarian result:
Magyar has promised to repair relations with the EU and unblock a €90bn EU loan for Ukraine
Magyar says his first trip as prime minister will be to Warsaw. Then to Vienna. And then to Brussels. He promises that Hungary will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), a key step to unblocking over €17 billion in EU funds.
Magyar: “Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union and with NATO. Hungary will once again be a strong ally representing Hungarian interests, because our country's place is in Europe.”
Péter Magyar in his victory speech: "The Hungarian people said a firm and resounding yes today that whoever divides the people must leave power. The Hungarian people said yes to Europe, to a free Hungary, to putting the country in order."
The moment Viktor Orbán concedes defeat after 16 years in power: “The election results are painful for us, but clear.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk doesn't hide his joy:
"Hungary 🇭🇺 Poland 🇵🇱 Europe 🇪🇺
Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends! Ruszkik haza!"
A non-EU reaction from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: "This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy."
European Council President Antonio Costa, whose authority has been undercut by Orban's veto: "Record turnout shows the democratic spirit of the Hungarian people. They have spoken—and their will is clear. "
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has some words for the defeated: "I thank my friend Viktor Orban for the intense collaboration of these years, and I know that even from the opposition he will continue to serve his Nation. Italy and Hungary are nations bound by a deep bond of friendship."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who's caretaker now: "European cooperation is essential for a strong Europe. Hungary has chosen."
Frederiksen was also among Orban's harshest critics.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez: "Today Europe wins, and European values win. Congratulations to all Hungarian citizens for the historic elections."
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola keeps it simple: "Hungary's place is at the heart of Europe."
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also speaks of a "new chapter" in Hungary's history.
Sweden has been among the most vocal critics against Viktor Orban's repeated vetoes.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten: "This marks a new step for Hungary and the EU, with hope for the restoration of democracy, the rule of law, and European cooperation."
Jetten is the most recent addition to the European Council. Magyar will be next.
German Chancellor Friedrich Mez: "Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe."
Merz and Magyar both belong to the EPP, so this could pave the way for a close alliance.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Magyar to congratulate him.
"France salutes a victory of democratic participation, of the Hungarian people's attachment to the values of the European Union, and for Hungary in Europe."
🧵 Thread of European leaders reacting to Péter Magyar's victory and Viktor Orbán's defeat.
Ursula von der Leyen: "Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger."
Tonight, Hungary chants: "Russians, go home."
🚨 Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulates Péter Magyar: "Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary. Europe and every European nation must get stronger, and millions of Europeans seek cooperation and stability."
After his resounding defeat, Viktor Orbán vows to serve Hungary from the opposition, his spokesperson says.
“We will serve our homeland and the Hungarian nation even from opposition,” he said, adding that 2.5 million voters will not be abandoned. “We never, ever give up.”
“I congratulated the victorious party,″ Orbán told supporters in Budapest. “We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.”
It has happened: Viktor Orbán concedes defeat. Péter Magyar wins the elections and is set to become the next prime minister of Hungary.
Orbán's 16 uninterrupted years in power have come to an end. A brand-new age begins.
🚨 BREAKING: Péter Magyar says in a Facebook post that Viktor Orbán has called him and congratulated him on his election victory.
"Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just congratulated us by phone on our victory," Magyar writes.
Here's hoping Orban, Pooty & Chump ALL lose!!! 👎 👎 👎
#I_HaveA_VeryGoodFeelingAboutThis
“We have seen the recent research, and based on the turnout data and the information we have received, we are optimistic,” Péter Magyar says. “This has become and will continue to be a celebration of democracy.”
Important to note that this is NOT an exit poll. Voters were contacted between Wednesday and Saturday to assess their views right before election day.
🚨Just in: Tisza is projected to win the Hungarian elections with 55% of the vote versus 38% for Fidesz, according to a poll by 21 Research Center for @Telexhu.
It's not yet clear if this would be enough for Tisza to secure a two-thirds majority.
