{"id":1876757,"date":"2026-04-10T12:05:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876757"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:05:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:05:02","slug":"orban-or-magyar-eu-braces-for-veto-politics-or-a-cautious-reset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876757","title":{"rendered":"Orb\u00e1n or Magyar: EU braces for veto politics or a cautious reset"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/35\/20\/1200x675_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885315-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885315\" data-cid=\"9718094\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885315-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/80\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_a889a61a-afa0-555a-bfa3-7b1d54a51fef-9718072.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Paraffin refuelling operations at Duesseldorf Airport in Germany last month\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Airport council warns: Hormuz closure poses major fuel shortage risks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885293-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885293\" data-cid=\"9718014\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885293-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/80\/14\/189x106_cmsv2_4dbec1df-9c8b-534e-82d6-dffda02b4ec8-9718014.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance speaks to the press before boarding Air Force Two, Friday, April 10, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., for expected departure to Pakistan, for talks on\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    JD Vance warns Iran not to &#8220;play&#8221; US during planned negociations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885206-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885206\" data-cid=\"9717485\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885206-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/74\/85\/189x106_cmsv2_0f2ed97a-628a-5e88-81ef-39d729f52fa8-9717485.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginien\u0117 and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in Baku\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Lithuania and Azerbaijan expand ties during PM Ruginien\u0117\u2019s visit\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885288-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885288\" data-cid=\"9717997\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885288-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/79\/97\/189x106_cmsv2_25ebf85b-9c80-5e94-b860-dfb6ef0f905b-9717997.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People gathering around a giant version of Risk on display\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Italy: From Go to Monopoly, board games bridge generations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885315-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885315\" data-cid=\"9718094\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885315-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/80\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_a889a61a-afa0-555a-bfa3-7b1d54a51fef-9718072.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Paraffin refuelling operations at Duesseldorf Airport in Germany last month\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Airport council warns: Hormuz closure poses major fuel shortage risks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885293-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885293\" data-cid=\"9718014\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885293-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/80\/14\/189x106_cmsv2_4dbec1df-9c8b-534e-82d6-dffda02b4ec8-9718014.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance speaks to the press before boarding Air Force Two, Friday, April 10, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., for expected departure to Pakistan, for talks on\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    JD Vance warns Iran not to &#8220;play&#8221; US during planned negociations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885206-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885206\" data-cid=\"9717485\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885206-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/74\/85\/189x106_cmsv2_0f2ed97a-628a-5e88-81ef-39d729f52fa8-9717485.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginien\u0117 and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in Baku\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Lithuania and Azerbaijan expand ties during PM Ruginien\u0117\u2019s visit\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885288-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885288\" data-cid=\"9717997\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885288-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/79\/97\/189x106_cmsv2_25ebf85b-9c80-5e94-b860-dfb6ef0f905b-9717997.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People gathering around a giant version of Risk on display\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Italy: From Go to Monopoly, board games bridge generations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Orb\u00e1n or Magyar: EU braces for veto politics or a cautious reset<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative u-max-width-1280 u-margin-x-auto\" data-video='{\"id\":\"xa54hgo\",\"articleId\":2884829,\"title\":\"Orbu00e1n or Magyar: EU braces for veto politics or a cautious reset\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/41\/35\/92\/08\/SHD_PYR_4135928_20260410152732.mp4\",\"programId\":\"europe-news\",\"player\":\"dailymotion\",\"geoBlock\":[\"\"],\"sources\":[],\"description\":\"As Hungarians head to the polls on Sunday, the EU is preparing for two scenarios: continued obstruction under Orbu00e1n or a victory for Magyar that could reset relations, though Brussels remains cautious about both.\",\"isLive\":false,\"articleUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/video\/2026\/04\/10\/orban-or-magyar-eu-braces-for-veto-politics-or-a-cautious-reset\",\"duration\":49240}' data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/35\/20\/1536x864_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"People walk next to a campaign poster which reads, &quot;They're a risk. Fidesz is the safe choice&quot; in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, ahead of the April 12 parliam\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              People walk next to a campaign poster which reads, &#8220;They&#8217;re a risk. Fidesz is the safe choice&#8221; in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, ahead of the April 12 parliam<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspSandor Zsiros&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspMaria Tadeo\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775822702\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-04-10 14:05:02 +02:00\">10\/04\/2026 &#8211; 14:05 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"14:20\">14:20<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-partage-commentaire-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        As Hungarians head to the polls on Sunday, the EU is preparing for two scenarios: continued obstruction under Orb\u00e1n or a victory for Magyar that could reset relations, though Brussels remains cautious about both.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>As Hungary heads to the polls on Sunday, European Union officials are quietly preparing for every possible outcome \u2014 from a continued stand-off with Viktor Orb\u00e1n to a cautious reset under opposition leader P\u00e9ter Magyar.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n has long been a thorn in Brussels&#8217; side, frequently using\u2014or threatening to use\u2014 his veto power to a degree that now threatens the system from within. Most recently, in March, he blocked a previously agreed \u20ac90 billion loan for Ukraine over a dispute involving the Druzhba pipeline.<\/p>\n<p>Magyar, who founded the Tisza Party two years ago, has pledged to restore Hungary&#8217;s broken ties with the EU and NATO \u2014 a promise welcomed in Brussels. Tisza currently leads in opinion polls ahead of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s Fidesz party. But Magyar is far from a pro-European liberal in the classical sense of the term. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are watching the campaign very closely, and we are optimistic,&#8221; one EU diplomat told Euronews on condition of anonymity, adding that a full assessment would follow once results were known on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Fidesz officials, however, are dismissive of the polling. &#8220;The two camps are similar in size, and the polls are very unreliable \u2014 about one in ten people answers the phone. Tisza supporters like to say their opinions out loud; ours are quieter. A lot will depend on mobilisation,&#8221; a source close to the party told Euronews. <\/p>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n has predicted he will win the majority of individual constituencies and secure a stable parliamentary majority of between 100 and 110 seats in the 199-seat legislature. Fidesz carried out an electoral system reform in 2011, which helped the party in government. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>If Orb\u00e1n wins: vetoes, radicalisation, and right-wing expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Should Orb\u00e1n retain power, EU diplomats expect tensions with Brussels to deepen. <\/p>\n<p>One diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a solution to the Ukraine loan would become virtually impossible, and the EU would likely need to proceed at the level of 25 member states, bypassing both Hungary and Slovakia. The diplomat said he believed Hungary would also continue to block the opening of EU accession negotiating chapters with Ukraine \u2014 a move that requires unanimity.<\/p>\n<p>A Fidesz source confirmed that little would change. &#8220;Some things can be agreed upon, but there are red lines for Hungary that are not open to negotiation \u2014 Ukraine, and the question of unanimity. I don&#8217;t expect any major agreements.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Still a second top-level diplomat from the EU told Euronews the reality after the election may be more nuanced and that the margin of victory will matter: a narrow win could leave Orb\u00e1n politically weakened at home, producing what some describe as an &#8220;Orb\u00e1n-light&#8221; \u2014 a less assertive version of himself on the European stage.<\/p>\n<p>D\u00e1niel Heged\u0171s, deputy director of the Berlin-based Institute for European Politics, expressed scepticism about any such moderation. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Since 2014, Prime Minister Orb\u00e1n has been radicalised after every single electoral victory. Even if he wins, he will become even more dependent on strategic partnerships with Russia and the current Trump administration,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>A Fidesz insider added that in the event of a victory, Orb\u00e1n would step up efforts to expand the influence of the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament \u2014an ambition he has framed with the slogan \u201coccupy Brussels.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are preparing for 2029 \u2014 for the European Parliament elections and for the French elections in 2027. The right must have an absolute majority in the Parliament,&#8221; the official said.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Electoral fraud could trigger a rupture<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In Brussels, one of the main concerns is the election itself.<\/p>\n<p>Dutch Green MEP Tineke Strik told Euronews she would urge Brussels to monitor the vote closely and respond swiftly if Orb\u00e1n wins through fraud or vote-buying. Several MEPs have also written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for enhanced oversight by the European Commission.<\/p>\n<p>If there is fraud or vote-buying, the EU &#8220;should freeze all funding, because we can only expect further radicalisation from Orb\u00e1n,&#8221; Strik said. She also called on the Council to step up its work on the Article 7 procedure against Hungary, a mechanism that was launched against Hungary in 2018 and would ultimately strip the country of its voting rights. <\/p>\n<p>However, the procedure has stalled mainly because it requires unanimity, with little prospect of agreement among all 27 member states.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I cannot see any scenario in which Bratislava, Prague, or Rome would support the suspension of Hungary&#8217;s voting rights,&#8221; expert D\u00e1niel Heged\u0171s said.<\/p>\n<p>He also cautioned against hopes of bypassing Hungary through differentiated integration. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You cannot do differentiated integration every day. There is no intergovernmental version of an EU budget or a multi-annual financial framework,&#8221; Heged\u0171s said, suggesting instead that a political solution would ultimately be required.<\/p>\n<p>Diplomats widely see Orb\u00e1n\u2019s veto on the 90 billion loan to Ukraine as linked to his re-election campaign, in which opposition to Kyiv has become a central theme. Once the election is over, many of them say EU leaders are expected to take a tougher line with him if he maintains the blockade.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Orb\u00e1n understands that he is constantly testing the limits of what other member states are willing to tolerate,&#8221; one of the senior diplomats consulted by Euronews said. <\/p>\n<p>A preview of that backlash came in mid-March, when EU leaders took turns to publicly rebuke the Hungarian prime minister at a heated summit, following his last-minute reversal on the Ukraine financing deal. <\/p>\n<p>Most capitals regard the veto as a breach of the principle of sincere cooperation underpinning the bloc&#8217;s collective decision-making \u2014 a legal basis the European Commission could use to launch proceedings against Budapest after the election.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>If Magyar wins: cautious optimism and a race to unlock EU funds<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In Brussels, a victory for P\u00e9ter Magyar would be greeted with cautious optimism.<\/p>\n<p>The broad expectation is that Hungary would abandon its frequent use of the veto and adopt a more constructive approach to EU affairs \u2014 as Magyar himself indicated in a recent interview with the Associated Press.<\/p>\n<p>Yet no one in Brussels expects a dramatic transformation. Magyar has already said he would oppose the EU migration pact \u2014 which was adopted in 2024 \u2014 and resist any fast-tracking of Ukraine&#8217;s accession bid.<\/p>\n<p>Should he win, his immediate priority will be to unlock Hungary&#8217;s frozen EU funds. Of the \u20ac27 billion earmarked for Hungary, \u20ac17 billion remains blocked over rule-of-law concerns and corruption risks. <\/p>\n<p>Diplomats say a significant portion could be released quickly if there is political will in Budapest and if the necessary legislative changes are made. <\/p>\n<p>Under an optimistic scenario, a new government could be in place by May, potentially allowing legal changes in June and a gradual resumption of EU transfers over the summer.<\/p>\n<p>One early step could be Hungary joining the European Public Prosecutors&#8217; Office (EPPO). <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Joining the EPPO could give a new Hungarian government access to a large part of suspended cohesion funding without requiring major political deliberation \u2014 purely on merit,&#8221; Heged\u0171s said.<\/p>\n<p>He also warned that Hungary risks losing \u20ac10 billion in August, when the deadline to withdraw cash from the EU\u2019s Recovery Fund is set to expire, and called for diplomatic efforts to secure a 12- to 18-month extension.<\/p>\n<p>One senior diplomat described P\u00e9ter Magyar as \u201can opportunity to restart EU\u2013Hungary relations,\u201d with EU funds seen as a clear incentive\u2014while also striking a note of caution.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There is a lot of uncertainty about P\u00e9ter Magyar&#8217;s personality. We have no idea what he really thinks or who he really is. We shall see whether he is an Orb\u00e1n-light or not.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Strik echoed that ambivalence, noting that P\u00e9ter Magyar at times resembles Viktor Orb\u00e1n, particularly on migration, where she does not expect significant change. <\/p>\n<p>She suggested he could follow a trajectory similar to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Poland. &#8220;On Ukraine, he is less radical than Orb\u00e1n,&#8221; Strik said, adding that he was also &#8220;silent on LGBTQ+ issues.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Roughly \u20ac2 billion of Hungary&#8217;s blocked funds are tied to legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities. Magyar has made no commitments on the issue and did not speak out when Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s government banned Budapest Pride last year.<\/p>\n<p>Strik warned that a ruling by the European Court of Justice possibly annulling Hungary&#8217;s so-called Child Protection Law \u2014 widely regarded as anti-gay \u2014 would put a Tisza government to the test. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If the Court comes up with a ruling, he would have to withdraw the law. If he does not, he will have broken his own promises,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Watch: Orb\u00e1n vs Magyar \u2014 where do Hungary&#8217;s rivals really stand on Europe?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  New leaks reveal Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 briefing Russia\u2019s Lavrov on key EU summit<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hungarian opposition Tisza party cements lead ahead of April elections, polls show<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Peter Magyar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    European Union<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Hungary parliamentary elections 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Viktor Orb\u00e1n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885293-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885293\" data-cid=\"9718014\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885293-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/80\/14\/320x180_cmsv2_4dbec1df-9c8b-534e-82d6-dffda02b4ec8-9718014.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance speaks to the press before boarding Air Force Two, Friday, April 10, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., for expected departure to Pakistan, for talks on\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    JD Vance warns Iran not to &#8220;play&#8221; US during planned negociations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884952-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/37\/320x180_cmsv2_d0b8ff54-c5e6-517d-971e-888fb841b636-9716937.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman rides a bicycle by a poster showing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the slogan &quot;Let's stand together against the war!&quot; in Albertirsa, Hungary, 9 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885276-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885276\" data-cid=\"9717816\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885276-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/78\/16\/320x180_cmsv2_61fc6b03-5e7a-5b41-9510-cf0f80901940-9717816.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"P\u00e9ter Magyar speaks during the party's campaign opener. Budapest, Hungary on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026..\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian propaganda unit targets Hungary\u2019s elections<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885112-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885112\" data-cid=\"9716862\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885112-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/68\/62\/320x180_cmsv2_1fc5a8ac-55fd-5e8b-b887-d7e4b94d0b64-9716862.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"military chaplain holds a Palm Sunday service in an church damaged by the Russian troops in the frontline town of Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine,April 5, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Easter ceasefire, proposed by Kyiv for weeks<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885126-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885126\" data-cid=\"9716951\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885126-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_beb427d4-4090-596c-bcb6-f26793829c63-9716951.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Nov. 14, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainians shot down Iranian drones in the Gulf, Zelenskyy says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885022-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885022\" data-cid=\"9716515\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump issues NATO ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz &#8216;within days&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884367-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884367\" data-cid=\"9713104\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>     Petrol and diesel in Europe: Where are prices highest and lowest?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2879646-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2879646\" data-cid=\"9690878\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rome Colosseum renovation reveals structures hidden for centuries<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885103-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885103\" data-cid=\"9716837\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;NATO not obliged to reopen the Strait,&#8217; Turkey&#8217;s trade minister says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885293-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885293\" data-cid=\"9718014\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885293-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/80\/14\/320x180_cmsv2_4dbec1df-9c8b-534e-82d6-dffda02b4ec8-9718014.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance speaks to the press before boarding Air Force Two, Friday, April 10, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., for expected departure to Pakistan, for talks on\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    JD Vance warns Iran not to &#8220;play&#8221; US during planned negociations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884952-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/37\/320x180_cmsv2_d0b8ff54-c5e6-517d-971e-888fb841b636-9716937.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman rides a bicycle by a poster showing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the slogan &quot;Let's stand together against the war!&quot; in Albertirsa, Hungary, 9 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885276-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885276\" data-cid=\"9717816\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885276-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/78\/16\/320x180_cmsv2_61fc6b03-5e7a-5b41-9510-cf0f80901940-9717816.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"P\u00e9ter Magyar speaks during the party's campaign opener. Budapest, Hungary on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026..\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian propaganda unit targets Hungary\u2019s elections<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885112-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885112\" data-cid=\"9716862\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885112-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/68\/62\/320x180_cmsv2_1fc5a8ac-55fd-5e8b-b887-d7e4b94d0b64-9716862.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"military chaplain holds a Palm Sunday service in an church damaged by the Russian troops in the frontline town of Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine,April 5, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Easter ceasefire, proposed by Kyiv for weeks<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885126-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885126\" data-cid=\"9716951\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885126-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_beb427d4-4090-596c-bcb6-f26793829c63-9716951.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Nov. 14, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainians shot down Iranian drones in the Gulf, Zelenskyy says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885022-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885022\" data-cid=\"9716515\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump issues NATO ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz &#8216;within days&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884367-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884367\" data-cid=\"9713104\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>     Petrol and diesel in Europe: Where are prices highest and lowest?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2879646-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2879646\" data-cid=\"9690878\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rome Colosseum renovation reveals structures hidden for centuries<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885103-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885103\" data-cid=\"9716837\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;NATO not obliged to reopen the Strait,&#8217; Turkey&#8217;s trade minister says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">As Hungary heads to the polls on Sunday, European Union officials are quietly preparing for every possible outcome \u2014 from a continued stand-off with Viktor Orb\u00e1n to a cautious reset under opposition leader P\u00e9ter Magyar.Orb\u00e1n has long been a thorn in Brussels&#8217; side, frequently using\u2014or threatening to use\u2014 his veto power to a degree that now threatens the system from within. Most recently, in March, he blocked a previously agreed \u20ac90 billion loan for Ukraine over a dispute involving the Druzhba pipeline.Magyar, who founded the Tisza Party two years ago, has pledged to restore Hungary&#8217;s broken ties with the EU and NATO \u2014 a promise welcomed in Brussels. Tisza currently leads in opinion polls ahead of Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s Fidesz party. But Magyar is far from a pro-European liberal in the classical sense of the term.&#8221;We are watching the campaign very closely, and we are optimistic,&#8221; one EU diplomat told Euronews on condition of anonymity, adding that a full assessment would follow once results were known on Monday.Fidesz officials, however, are dismissive of the polling. &#8220;The two camps are similar in size, and the polls are very unreliable \u2014 about one in ten people answers the phone. Tisza supporters like to say their opinions out loud; ours are quieter. A lot will depend on mobilisation,&#8221; a source close to the party told Euronews.Orb\u00e1n has predicted he will win the majority of individual constituencies and secure a stable parliamentary majority of between 100 and 110 seats in the 199-seat legislature. Fidesz carried out an electoral system reform in 2011, which helped the party in government.If Orb\u00e1n wins: vetoes, radicalisation, and right-wing expansionShould Orb\u00e1n retain power, EU diplomats expect tensions with Brussels to deepen.One diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a solution to the Ukraine loan would become virtually impossible, and the EU would likely need to proceed at the level of 25 member states, bypassing both Hungary and Slovakia. The diplomat said he believed Hungary would also continue to block the opening of EU accession negotiating chapters with Ukraine \u2014 a move that requires unanimity.A Fidesz source confirmed that little would change. &#8220;Some things can be agreed upon, but there are red lines for Hungary that are not open to negotiation \u2014 Ukraine, and the question of unanimity. I don&#8217;t expect any major agreements.&#8221;Still a second top-level diplomat from the EU told Euronews the reality after the election may be more nuanced and that the margin of victory will matter: a narrow win could leave Orb\u00e1n politically weakened at home, producing what some describe as an &#8220;Orb\u00e1n-light&#8221; \u2014 a less assertive version of himself on the European stage.D\u00e1niel Heged\u0171s, deputy director of the Berlin-based Institute for European Politics, expressed scepticism about any such moderation.&#8221;Since 2014, Prime Minister Orb\u00e1n has been radicalised after every single electoral victory. Even if he wins, he will become even more dependent on strategic partnerships with Russia and the current Trump administration,&#8221; he said.A Fidesz insider added that in the event of a victory, Orb\u00e1n would step up efforts to expand the influence of the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament \u2014an ambition he has framed with the slogan \u201coccupy Brussels.\u201d&#8221;We are preparing for 2029 \u2014 for the European Parliament elections and for the French elections in 2027. The right must have an absolute majority in the Parliament,&#8221; the official said.Electoral fraud could trigger a ruptureIn Brussels, one of the main concerns is the election itself.Dutch Green MEP Tineke Strik told Euronews she would urge Brussels to monitor the vote closely and respond swiftly if Orb\u00e1n wins through fraud or vote-buying. Several MEPs have also written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for enhanced oversight by the European Commission.If there is fraud or vote-buying, the EU &#8220;should freeze all funding, because we can only expect further radicalisation from Orb\u00e1n,&#8221; Strik said. She also called on the Council to step up its work on the Article 7 procedure against Hungary, a mechanism that was launched against Hungary in 2018 and would ultimately strip the country of its voting rights.However, the procedure has stalled mainly because it requires unanimity, with little prospect of agreement among all 27 member states.&#8221;I cannot see any scenario in which Bratislava, Prague, or Rome would support the suspension of Hungary&#8217;s voting rights,&#8221; expert D\u00e1niel Heged\u0171s said.He also cautioned against hopes of bypassing Hungary through differentiated integration.&#8221;You cannot do differentiated integration every day. There is no intergovernmental version of an EU budget or a multi-annual financial framework,&#8221; Heged\u0171s said, suggesting instead that a political solution would ultimately be required.Diplomats widely see Orb\u00e1n\u2019s veto on the 90 billion loan to Ukraine as linked to his re-election campaign, in which opposition to Kyiv has become a central theme. Once the election is over, many of them say EU leaders are expected to take a tougher line with him if he maintains the blockade.&#8221;Orb\u00e1n understands that he is constantly testing the limits of what other member states are willing to tolerate,&#8221; one of the senior diplomats consulted by Euronews said.A preview of that backlash came in mid-March, when EU leaders took turns to publicly rebuke the Hungarian prime minister at a heated summit, following his last-minute reversal on the Ukraine financing deal.Most capitals regard the veto as a breach of the principle of sincere cooperation underpinning the bloc&#8217;s collective decision-making \u2014 a legal basis the European Commission could use to launch proceedings against Budapest after the election.If Magyar wins: cautious optimism and a race to unlock EU fundsIn Brussels, a victory for P\u00e9ter Magyar would be greeted with cautious optimism.The broad expectation is that Hungary would abandon its frequent use of the veto and adopt a more constructive approach to EU affairs \u2014 as Magyar himself indicated in a recent interview with the Associated Press.Yet no one in Brussels expects a dramatic transformation. Magyar has already said he would oppose the EU migration pact \u2014 which was adopted in 2024 \u2014 and resist any fast-tracking of Ukraine&#8217;s accession bid.Should he win, his immediate priority will be to unlock Hungary&#8217;s frozen EU funds. Of the \u20ac27 billion earmarked for Hungary, \u20ac17 billion remains blocked over rule-of-law concerns and corruption risks.Diplomats say a significant portion could be released quickly if there is political will in Budapest and if the necessary legislative changes are made.Under an optimistic scenario, a new government could be in place by May, potentially allowing legal changes in June and a gradual resumption of EU transfers over the summer.One early step could be Hungary joining the European Public Prosecutors&#8217; Office (EPPO).&#8221;Joining the EPPO could give a new Hungarian government access to a large part of suspended cohesion funding without requiring major political deliberation \u2014 purely on merit,&#8221; Heged\u0171s said.He also warned that Hungary risks losing \u20ac10 billion in August, when the deadline to withdraw cash from the EU\u2019s Recovery Fund is set to expire, and called for diplomatic efforts to secure a 12- to 18-month extension.One senior diplomat described P\u00e9ter Magyar as \u201can opportunity to restart EU\u2013Hungary relations,\u201d with EU funds seen as a clear incentive\u2014while also striking a note of caution.&#8221;There is a lot of uncertainty about P\u00e9ter Magyar&#8217;s personality. We have no idea what he really thinks or who he really is. We shall see whether he is an Orb\u00e1n-light or not.&#8221;Strik echoed that ambivalence, noting that P\u00e9ter Magyar at times resembles Viktor Orb\u00e1n, particularly on migration, where she does not expect significant change.She suggested he could follow a trajectory similar to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Poland. &#8220;On Ukraine, he is less radical than Orb\u00e1n,&#8221; Strik said, adding that he was also &#8220;silent on LGBTQ+ issues.&#8221;Roughly \u20ac2 billion of Hungary&#8217;s blocked funds are tied to legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities. Magyar has made no commitments on the issue and did not speak out when Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s government banned Budapest Pride last year.Strik warned that a ruling by the European Court of Justice possibly annulling Hungary&#8217;s so-called Child Protection Law \u2014 widely regarded as anti-gay \u2014 would put a Tisza government to the test.&#8221;If the Court comes up with a ruling, he would have to withdraw the law. If he does not, he will have broken his own promises,&#8221; she said.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/04\/10\/orban-or-magyar-eu-braces-for-veto-politics-or-a-cautious-reset&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/35\/20\/1200x675_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg&#8221;] Economy Airport council warns: Hormuz closure poses major fuel shortage risks USA JD Vance warns Iran not to &#8220;play&#8221; US during planned negociations World News Lithuania and Azerbaijan expand ties during PM Ruginien\u0117\u2019s visit No Comment Italy: From Go to Monopoly, board games bridge generations Economy Airport council warns: Hormuz closure poses [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1876757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1876757"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876757\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}