The Budapest express has arrived in Belgrade: Reasons for Vučić and Orbán's defeat

The recent electoral defeats of Aleksandar Vučić and Viktor Orbán are attributed to a combination of factors, including changing media consumption habits, economic difficulties, and a growing public discontent after years of autocratic rule. The opposition's success was marked by a significant demographic shift favoring younger voters and a more unified opposition that avoided divisive issues. Both leaders faced a backlash against their long tenures, with the opposition capitalizing on their failures and presenting themselves as fresh alternatives. The analysis suggests that while ideological similarities exist between the ruling parties, the opposition's ability to resonate with the electorate's frustrations played a crucial role in their victories.