Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces the most serious threat to his power in decades
Polling stations have opened in Hungary in what is being seen as one of Europe’s most important elections this year, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban facing his strongest challenge since returning to power in 2010.
The vote could determine not only who next rules Hungary, but also how much Budapest continues to oppose Brussels on issues ranging from Ukraine and sanctions to migration and rule-of-law disputes.
Orban and his ruling Fidesz coalition are being challenged by Peter Magyar and his rebel Tisza party, who have surged in the polls after campaigning on corruption, public services and restoring ties with the EU. Independent polling summarized by the AP shows Tisza entering election day with a strong lead, though the race is still expected to be tight given Fidesz’s strong rural support and the benefits Orbán enjoys from power and Hungary’s electoral system.
The stakes extend beyond Hungary. Orbán has spent years frustrating EU partners with his stance on Russia, sanctions and military support for Ukraine, making this election a closely watched test for Brussels as well as Orbán’s allies on the international right.
Elections are being held on a single day for all 199 seats of Hungary’s National Assembly. Official election information from Hungary’s National Election Office shows that voting is underway today, April 12, and results are expected to begin coming in after voting closes.
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