Tisza's rise: Magyar's challenge to Orban's Fidesz grip
The Hungarian party Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, has gained an advantage over Fidesz in the latest poll. This development marks a significant change, as it has been years since such a situation occurred.
According to a survey released by the Publicus Institute, support for the Tisza party has reached 39 percent, while 37 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to vote for Fidesz. This is the second recent survey highlighting a "shift," as Fidesz usually dominates the polls. The last time the party faced a similar challenge was in 2022, during a contest with the united opposition list.
Although other surveys suggest a slight lead for Fidesz, the difference is minimal. Analysts have observed that, across all polls, the proportion of undecided voters remains substantial, at about 30 percent.
Ex-member of the government against Orban
Péter Magyar is a former Fidesz member who also served in Viktor Orban's government. He ventured into independent politics in February 2024 to protest the dismissal of President Katalin Novák and Justice Minister Judit Varga (his wife). This followed the revelation of a pardon granted to a deputy director of a children's home convicted of concealing pedophile crimes. Magyar argued that both women were made scapegoats and held the senior government leadership responsible for the entire affair.
In June 2024, Magyar joined the Party of Respect and Freedom (Tisza) and ran for the European Parliament on its list. The party secured second place (after Fidesz) and gained 7 Members of the European Parliament, including Magyar. Magyar subsequently took on the leadership of the party.
Tisza is seen as a centre-right party. During rallies, Magyar often refers to Orban's regime as a "mafia country" and promises to combat corruption while investing in healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
Concerning the war in Ukraine, Tisza—like Fidesz—opposes actions such as sending weapons to the defending country.
