In a stunning turn of events, Hungarian lawyer Péter Magyar has emerged as a formidable challenger to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, shaking up the political landscape in Hungary. Magyar’s rise to prominence began three months ago when he broke ranks with Fidesz in the wake of a scandal involving close allies of Orbán.
Since then, Magyar has built a political movement that is now poised to become Hungary’s largest opposition force, with the upcoming European Parliament and municipal elections serving as a prelude to his planned run in the 2026 national elections. Despite facing an uphill battle against Orbán, who has secured multiple election wins since 2010, Magyar has tapped into growing disenchantment with the populist leader.
Accusing Orbán’s government of deep corruption and a government-controlled propaganda network, Magyar has presented himself as a more moderate conservative alternative. His party has garnered significant support, with polls showing around a quarter of likely voters backing him in the upcoming elections.
However, Magyar’s success is not guaranteed, as Hungarian voters have been disappointed by opposition parties in the past. Nonetheless, Magyar’s ability to draw crowds in Orbán’s stronghold of rural Hungary and his promises to address issues like frozen EU funds and rule-of-law debates have captured the attention of many Hungarians.
As the June elections approach amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the political landscape in Hungary is more uncertain than ever. Magyar’s challenge to Orbán’s dominance represents a significant shift in Hungarian politics, with the potential to reshape the country’s future.