In the run‑up to Hungary’s April parliamentary elections, opposition leader Péter Magyar has tapped an embarrassing scandal, threatening Viktor Orbán’s long‑standing grip on power.
Orbán’s Ten‑Year Rule Under Threat
Viktor Orbán has led Hungary’s government since 2010, building a reputation for consolidating power by curbing judiciary, academic, and media freedoms. Critics argue that his ability to rule has been maintained through harsh restrictions.
However, just four months before the April parliamentary vote, the foundations of Orbán’s authority appear to be wobbling.
Tisza Party Leads New Polls
Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, though difficult to classify strictly politically, now tops many independent polls ahead of the ruling Fidesz‑Orbán coalition. The charismatic 44‑year‑old has used a single scandal to strike at the prime minister’s base.
Abuse Scandal Shakes Government
Magyar released an unreported 2021 government report detailing over 3,000 cases of child abuse in state care facilities. The report followed a disturbing video of a prison director striking a lying teenager.
These revelations expose long‑standing allegations that have never been formally investigated, undermining Orbán’s claim to protect children.
Public Mobilization and Opposition Pressure
In December, roughly 50,000 people responded to Magyar’s call to protest in Budapest, demanding the government’s resignation. Political scientist Zsuzsanna Vegh noted that the opposition now displays a “new dynamism” never seen before.
Vegh also pointed out that Orbán faces a single, popular opponent, while the Hungarian economy shows stagnation and a four‑percent inflation rate, well above the EU average.
Orbán’s Countermeasures and Political Strategy
Prime minister Orbán reacted by announcing state‑funded mortgage schemes, extending tax exemptions for large families, and initiating anti‑war rallies. He frequently uses these platforms to attack Magyar, branding him a “puppet” of the European Commission.
During the last election cycle, Orbán only stepped up his campaigning three months before voting; now Fidesz is compelled to mobilise earlier and more aggressively.
Legislative Shielding of the Presidency
The parliament, dominated by Fidesz, passed a law making it harder to recall the president, who currently aligns closely with Orbán. Critics view this as preparation for a potential shift in power should Fidesz lose the upcoming election.
