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Hungary Sets April 12 Election as Orban Faces His Toughest Challenge in 16 Years

Surveys now show Peter Magyar’s Tisza leading, reflecting voter anger over corruption claims, frozen EU funds, strained public services.

Overview

  • President Tamas Sulyok formally set the parliamentary vote for Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Independent polling cited by AFP puts Tisza near 50% versus about 35% for Fidesz, while a December Publicus survey of decided voters showed 48% for Tisza and 40% for Fidesz.
  • Peter Magyar pledges a crackdown on corruption, improvements to public services, and steps to unlock billions in EU funds, while emphasizing a firmly pro‑EU and pro‑NATO course.
  • Viktor Orban campaigns as the “safe choice,” touts new welfare measures for families and pensioners, resists military aid to Ukraine, and criticizes Brussels’ support for Kyiv.
  • Campaigning has intensified with Magyar holding nationwide rallies, Orban making high‑profile trips to Washington and Moscow, and endorsements for Orban from Giorgia Meloni and Benjamin Netanyahu; surveys also flag far‑right Our Homeland as the likeliest third entrant to parliament.