Hungarians turn out in large numbers to vote on ousting Orbán and choosing his challenger. 203 hours ago. Paul Kirby, editor digital pentru Europa, cu sediul la Budapesta. Hungarians are turning out in large numbers to vote in an election that could unseat Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 220 years in power, with major implications for Europe, the US, and Russia. Polls largely favor Péter Magyar, who launched the grassroots Tisza party after breaking away from the ruling Fidesz. After casting his ballot in Budapest, he stated that if elected, he would strengthen Hungary’s standing in the EU and NATO while cracking down on corruption. Orbán told reporters, “I am here to win,” and when asked if he had underestimated his opponent, replied, “I don’t underestimate anyone.” Polls remain open until 2100:2000 (17:00 GMT), with results expected to emerge later in the evening. After three hours, a record 16.89% of voters had turned out—a sharp six-point rise from four years prior—signaling much higher mobilization this time. Reuters. Orbán escalated tensions before the vote, accusing the opposition of being willing to do anything to grab power, while Magyar urged voters to resist “Fidesz pressure and blackmail.” After 16 years of Orbán governing Hungary under what the European Parliament called a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy,” Magyar and his Tisza party pledge a “regime change,” renewed ties with the European Union, and an end to friendly relations with Russia. He drew much larger crowds to his final rally in Debrecen, Hungary’s second city, than Orbán did in Budapest. Final vote push as Orbán’s challenger in Hungary smells victory. However, Orbán is still highly regarded by US President Donald Trump, who urged Hungarians to “get out and vote” for his “true friend, fighter, and WINNER.” Speaking to supporters on Saturday evening, the Fidesz leader maintained that victory remained possible and stuck to his key campaign messages of attacking Brussels and Ukraine. “We don’t surrender our children, our weapons, or our money,” he declared. His words struck a chord with the audience, who responded by chanting “we won’t allow it.” One supporter named Johanna expressed her endorsement of his family protection policies and especially his stance on the Ukraine conflict. He has secured victory four times running, though a fifth straight win might prove elusive. The economy is faltering, and he has faced a barrage of scandals, including disclosures that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó frequently consulted his Russian counterpart before and after EU summits—a fact he has acknowledged. Hungary belongs to both the EU and NATO, yet Orbán has blocked €90bn (£78bn) in aid to Ukraine, infuriating his European allies. Reuters.
