Hungarians are voting in a parliamentary election that could oust Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, with polls showing his rightwing Fidesz party trailing behind the centre-right Tisza party led by Péter Magyar. The result will reshape Hungary's relations with the European Union, Moscow and Washington.
Orbán, the EU's longest-serving leader, faces an unprecedented challenge from Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who has focused on domestic issues such as corruption, strained EU ties and crumbling public services. Orbán has campaigned on keeping Hungary out of the war in Ukraine, arguing he alone can maintain peace.
The election has drawn international attention, with US Vice-President JD Vance visiting Budapest to support Orbán, and Donald Trump endorsing him on social media. Other rightwing leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, have also backed Orbán. By midday Sunday, turnout reached a record 37.98%, with about 876,000 more voters than in 2022.
Analysts caution that undecided voters, Hungarians abroad and alleged vote buying could sway the result. The outcome will test how deeply Orbán's illiberal system is embedded, after years of rewriting election laws, controlling media and suppressing dissent. Allegations of Russian interference and leaked audio suggesting Orbán told Vladimir Putin 'I am at your service' have also surfaced.
Three possible outcomes are predicted: a Magyar majority accepted by Orbán, a Magyar majority rejected by Orbán, or an Orbán majority. A super-majority for Tisza would allow constitutional changes and unlock EU funds. However, Fidesz's gerrymandering means Tisza needs about 5% more votes to win a majority.
