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Hungary Preparations are underway for parliamentary elections on April 12, when the Prime Minister Viktor Orban Facing the most significant challenge in 16 years. This election marks a critical moment for nationalist populism Fidesz party, which includes Always lagging behind the opposition Tisza party In recent independent opinion polls, this is a disadvantage not seen since Mr Orban took office in 2010.
President Tamas Suryok officially announced the election date on Tuesday, urging citizens to take part. “One of the cornerstones of democracy is the right to vote freely,” he said on social media.
The outcome of Orban’s re-election campaign will have far-reaching consequences beyond Hungary’s borders, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Europe and its burgeoning far-right political movements. The nationalist leader maintains anti-EU alliance with US president Donald Trump and established close ties with Moscow, even in Conflict continues in Ukraine.
Orban vows security, Magyar will fight corruption
leader of Tisza, Peter HungaryLess than two years ago, the 44-year-old center-right lawyer burst onto the Hungarian political scene. He quickly built a political movement through near-constant rural tours, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the country’s chronic economic stagnation, high cost of living and deteriorating social services.
Magyar also promised to dismantle Orban’s system and put Hungary on a more prosperous, democratic track.
Orban is the EU’s longest-serving leader, returning to office in 2010 after serving as prime minister from 1998 to 2002. He boasted of transforming European countries into “illiberal democracies” and centralizing the country’s institutions and controlling much of the media. His critics accuse him of overseeing what they say is Official corruption network is extensive.
The nationalist prime minister and his party cast April’s election as a choice between war and peace, claiming Tisza is nothing more than an EU project masterminded in Brussels to overthrow his government and install a puppet regime, pour Hungary’s finances into the war in neighboring Ukraine, and even involve Hungary directly in the conflict.
Orban’s Fidesz party campaigned on the slogan “Safe Choice”, which it said would keep Hungary away from the war in Ukraine while stopping illegal immigrants from entering.
Fidesz politicians and loyal media have also accused Tisza of secretly plotting to raise taxes and impose harsh austerity measures, all charges the opposition party has vehemently denied.
Magyar, meanwhile, has vowed to take anti-corruption measures if elected and bring back billions of euros of EU funds frozen in Budapest over judicial independence and corruption concerns.
Magyar also said he would keep Hungary firmly rooted in the EU and NATO, in an effort to build a “pragmatic relationship” with Russia.
Orban refused to hold a televised debate with Magyar. The last time he debated an opponent was before the 2006 election, and he lost.
The official campaign period will begin on February 21, during which time the collection of signatures from parliamentary candidates and the posting of election posters are likely to begin.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
