
A Hungarian proverb warns: “Visszanyal a fagyi”, which suggests that what we relish might turn against us. This applies to Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister, who has long fought against liberal ideologies, branding his regime as an “illiberal democracy” or a bastion of “Christian liberty”. Admired internationally by figures like US Deputy President JD Vance and former President Donald Trump, Orban has enjoyed political favor until recently.
As the upcoming Hungarian election in April 2026 approaches, Orban’s recent actions target the LGBTQ community, including a law that attempted to ban Pride celebrations. Despite his efforts, over 100,000 demonstrators voiced their support for gay rights in Budapest, showcasing a pushback against his policies. This raises the question: is Orban’s grip on power indeed slipping?
Surprisingly, the primary threat to Orban’s authority comes not from the liberal left but from the center-right. Peter Magyar, a former ally, emerged as an unexpected contender amid scandals affecting Orban’s government. His criticisms of corruption and nepotism resonate with voters disillusioned by absurdities in Orban’s administration, particularly after a scandal involving a pardoned child abuse cover-up.
Polls indicate that Magyar’s party, Tisza, could be leading Orban’s Fidesz party by several points. Issues such as the declining conditions of state services are being leveraged against Orban, suggesting that the long-utilized strategies that once fortified his rule are now failing, jeopardizing his fifteen-year tenure in power.
With Orban’s longstanding ability to rally his base facing challenges, Hungary stands on the brink of significant political change.
Source: www.bbc.com
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