Viktor Orbán and his centre-right rival, Péter Magyar, have exchanged accusations of enlisting foreign interference as Hungary’s high-stakes election enters its final stages. Polls suggest the opposition candidate holds a comfortable lead, potentially ending the nationalist prime minister’s 16 years in power.
Orbán alleged on social media that Magyar and his Tisza party were “colluding” with foreign intelligence and threatening Fidesz supporters with violence. “This is an organised attempt to use chaos, pressure, and international vilification to call into question the decision of the Hungarian people,” he said, urging “unity and security”.
Magyar, a former Fidesz loyalist who broke away two years ago over corruption and propaganda, hit back, saying Orbán would be “removed by the same people … he has abandoned and betrayed: millions of Hungarians”. He accused Fidesz of months of election fraud, criminal acts and disinformation, adding that Tisza would win.
Observers warn that the electoral system is complex and districts have been redrawn to favour Fidesz. Some calculate Tisza needs a six-point lead in the national vote to secure a parliamentary majority. The campaign has been marked by allegations of Russian interference and revelations that Orbán’s ministers shared confidential EU information with Moscow.
At rival rallies, supporters voiced contrasting hopes. In Hatvan, Magyar backers called for change after an Orbán era of cronyism and economic stagnation. In Debrecen, a Fidesz stronghold predicted to swing to Tisza, Orbán supporters expressed distrust of Magyar, with one taxi driver saying he “stabbed Fidesz in the back”.
