Vucic congratulates Hungary and thanks Orban "for the close relationship." Diplomatically elegant — he keeps the new guy and does not abandon the old one. Macedonian Minister Mucunski is satisfied: "The citizens of Hungary have spoken — we look forward to continuing cooperation."

Balkan reactions to the Hungarian elections show how every country is focused on its own interests. Vucic has to balance — Orban was his ally, but Mađarska controls 138 seats and there will be a new prime minister. Mucunski plays it safe: cooperation, no mention of Orban.

ZNAM — the coalition that brings together several smaller parties — congratulates Hungary and expresses confidence that "relations between Macedonia and Hungary will develop with renewed intensity." Optimism or wishful thinking?

The truth is that for the Balkans, a change of power in Budapest means new realignments. Who gets the funds, who gets the backing, who gets sidelined. In geopolitics, congratulations are protocol — what matters is what follows at the table.