Orbán's Victory Marred by Decline in Support as New Force Emerges in Hungary

Viktor Orbán's party emerges victorious in the European Parliament elections, but Hungary's longest-serving leader faces challenges with a drop in support and the rise of a new political force.

Viktor Orbán's government in Hungary has declared a victory in the European Parliament elections, but the results reveal a decline in support for the ruling party, Fidesz-KDNP. The emergence of a new political force, Respect and Freedom (TISZA), led by former Fidesz insider Péter Magyar, has shaken the Hungarian political landscape.

Despite claiming 44% of Sunday's vote, Fidesz's performance represents its worst result in an EU election since Hungary joined the bloc in 2004. The party lost two of its European Parliament seats, a significant setback for Orbán's aspirations for a greater role on Europe's far-right.

Magyar's TISZA party, which campaigned on promises to challenge Orbán's autocratic system, won nearly 30% of the vote, capturing seven delegates in the EU legislature. Magyar's victory, celebrated by thousands of jubilant supporters, signals a shift in Hungarian politics.

Analysts attribute Fidesz's decline in support to a series of scandals, economic woes, and Orbán's close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The EU has frozen billions of euros in funding to Hungary over concerns about the rule of law and democratic standards, further isolating Orbán within the bloc.

Orbán's anti-EU rhetoric and exploitation of culturally divisive issues, such as migration and LGBTQ+ rights, have been less effective in galvanizing support. The rise of TISZA suggests that Hungarians are seeking change and disillusioned with the established opposition.

András Bíró-Nagy, director of the Budapest-based think tank Policy Solutions, believes that Magyar's emergence "reflects not only some disillusionment with the Orbán regime, but it shows the complete disillusionment with the established opposition."

Magyar's campaign focused on criticizing Orbán's system of alleged corruption, nepotism, intimidation, and propaganda. He vowed to address the state of education and healthcare, curb the influence of oligarchs, and foster a more constructive relationship with the EU.

While Fidesz remains the largest party in Hungary, its weakened position raises questions about Orbán's long-term prospects. The rise of TISZA and the ongoing challenges facing Orbán's government indicate that Hungarian politics is entering a new and uncertain chapter.