A rising political newcomer in Hungary, Péter Magyar, has mobilized tens of thousands of supporters in Budapest in a final show of strength before the European Parliament election. Magyar, a 43-year-old lawyer who has quickly built up Hungary’s strongest opposition party, Respect and Freedom (TISZA), hopes to use a good showing in the EU elections to propel himself and his movement towards defeating Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the next national ballot in 2026. Magyar, once an insider within Orbán’s Fidesz party, has gained prominence by publicly accusing the prime minister of corruption and anti-democratic tendencies. Recent polls suggest TISZA could gain up to 30% of votes in the election, potentially causing a loss of seats for Fidesz in the EU legislature.
TISZA has garnered support from voters disillusioned by both Orbán’s governance and Hungary’s traditional opposition parties, which have not been able to challenge Orbán’s rule since 2010. One supporter, 69-year-old Mária Németh, noted that she hadn’t voted since 2010 due to the lies and corruption in Hungarian politics she attributes to Orbán. However, she now plans to vote for TISZA as she believes Magyar represents a change for the better in Hungarian politics. Magyar has pushed back against Orbán’s claims that a vote against Fidesz is a vote for war, insisting that TISZA stands for peace. He also aims to end Orbán’s fear-mongering propaganda and work towards a country where Hungarians can live in peace and security.
Orbán, who is known for his nationalist and anti-immigration stance, has campaigned on promises to keep Hungary “migrant-free” and preserve the country’s Christian, traditional identity. He has portrayed himself as the peace candidate, contrasting his stance with what he describes as pro-war politicians in the EU and US. Orbán has also linked the lack of “white Christians” in Europe to past conflicts and advocated for a Europe free of migrants. However, Magyar has dismissed accusations that he or other Hungarians are “pro-war,” emphasizing the risks of allowing Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territories. Magyar seeks to move beyond traditional left-right politics in Hungary and create a united vision for the country’s future.
In his campaign efforts, Magyar has drawn thousands of supporters across Hungary, addressing crowds in nearly 200 cities, towns, and villages. The growing popularity of TISZA indicates a shift in Hungarian politics towards a stronger opposition to Orbán’s rule. Recent polls suggest that Fidesz is likely to retain a relative majority in the EU election, but TISZA’s strong showing could challenge Orbán’s dominance in Hungarian politics. Magyar’s message resonates with supporters who seek an end to corruption, lies, and fear-mongering in Hungarian politics, and a return to peace and unity. As the election approaches, the future of Hungary hangs in the balance as voters decide whether to continue down the path set by Orbán or embrace the change promised by Magyar and TISZA.
Despite being a relatively new player in Hungarian politics, Magyar has quickly risen to prominence by presenting himself as a fresh alternative to the long-standing rule of Orbán. His ability to mobilize tens of thousands of supporters and gain a significant share of the vote in the EU election signals a shift in Hungarian politics towards a more competitive landscape. Magyar’s promises of peace, security, and unity have struck a chord with disillusioned voters who feel marginalized by the current political establishment. As Hungary braces for the upcoming election, the choice between Orbán’s nationalist agenda and Magyar’s vision for change will determine the country’s future direction. The outcome of the election will shape Hungary’s political landscape for years to come, setting the stage for a potential showdown between Orbán’s Fidesz party and the rising opposition led by Magyar and TISZA.
