Hungary’s Orbán Could Lose After Two Decades in Power
Hungary’s long-time PM Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party appear poised to face a setback as polls show the opposition Péter Magyar–led Tisza Party pulling ahead in the parliamentary race. A IDEA Institute poll put Fidesz at about 37% of decided voters vs. 50% for the opposition, signaling a possible end to Orbán’s two-decade rule. International observers cite democratic backsliding, including questions over judiciary independence, media freedom, and corruption concerns raised by groups like Freedom House and Transparency International. The campaign has also highlighted a close U.S. alignment, with Donald Trump publicly endorsing Orbán and American politicians like Vice President JD Vance campaigning with him, reflecting a broader transatlantic debate about conservative governance models and regional politics. A potential Orbán defeat would mark a major shift for Hungary and could reshape EU dynamics and U.S.–Hungary ties.
