“We, Hungarians, observe other peoples’ right to shape their own fate and expect a similar attitude from everyone,” Gábor Vona said. The opposition Socialists said that the decision of the American people must be respected.

Socialist chair Gyula Molnár said he trusted that Trump, “leaving the mud-slinging campaign behind” would be an ally to “a Europe committed to equality, progress, and justice”.

Molnar added that Trump’s selection of his secretary of state would be “an important message for Europe”. Ferenc Gyurcsány, head of the Democratic Coalition, congratulated Trump in a Facebook post and reassured those unhappy with the outcome that there was “no need to panic” over Trump’s election.

“Today the United States is the home of freedom and democracy and it is in the interest of the whole world that it remains just that,” he said, adding that Hungary would continue to view the US as one of its most important allies.

The Dialogue Party described Trump’s victory as America’s version of Brexit, arguing that even Trump’s supporters would come out badly from his presidency.

Bence Tordai, the party’s spokesman, said both Brexit and Trump’s election were the result of anger and dissatisfaction with the elite. Trump represents “the upper one percent”, he said, adding that his presidency would be bad for women, ethnic minorities, the poor, the middle class and anyone “who favours facts and reality”.

The Liberal Party congratulated Trump but voiced disappointment over the election. István Szent-Iványi said that Trump’s victory was “not in line” with Hungary’s interests. He said Trump’s statements suggested an “inwardturning” US, turning away from Europe, while US support was indispensable in meeting global challenges.

The green LMP party said that it expected the government to establish effective cooperation with US presidents of all political stripes. Bernadett Szél, the party’s co-leader, said in a statement that it was important the Hungarian cabinet should form cooperation with a view to enforcing the country’s interests independently of which party nominated the president.

“LMP respects the decision of the American people and congratulates Donald Trump on his success in the election,” the party’s statement said.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Mohai Balázs