Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party have held power in Hungary for 14 years, but a new political rival, Péter Magyar, has emerged to challenge the hard-right leader. Magyar gained prominence after resigning from Fidesz following a scandal and has been organizing rallies against the authoritarian and corrupt party. He has united a divided opposition and is credited with 17% to 25% of voting intentions in the upcoming European elections.
Magyar’s party, Tisza, represents a more dynamic opposition that rejects the traditional left-right divide. Without fully unveiling a political agenda, Magyar has gathered thousands of supporters at rallies, denouncing Fidesz’s policies. Despite facing an uphill battle against Fidesz’s well-established political machinery, Magyar is looking ahead to the parliamentary elections in 2026.
Fidesz has faced criticism from the European Union for weakening the rule of law in Hungary, leading to the partial freezing of funds for the party. Magyar’s challenge to Fidesz’s grip on power has the potential to shift the political landscape in Hungary. However, he faces the daunting task of maintaining his success in the face of Fidesz’s efforts to discredit him using their unlimited resources.
The European elections on June 9 will be a crucial test for Hungarian politics, with Magyar and Fidesz competing for 21 seats in the European Parliament. Simultaneously, local elections will be held in Hungary, setting the stage for a showdown between Magyar’s growing movement and the entrenched power of Fidesz. The outcome of these elections will have far-reaching implications for Hungary’s future political landscape.
As Magyar continues to gather support and challenge Fidesz’s dominance, the Hungarian political landscape is undergoing a significant shift. With a diverse and dynamic opposition, there is potential for change in a country that has been controlled by Orban and Fidesz for over a decade. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of Magyar’s ability to mobilize voters and challenge the status quo in Hungarian politics.
