{"id":1877042,"date":"2026-04-11T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T04:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1877042"},"modified":"2026-04-11T07:00:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T04:00:21","slug":"hungary-elections-there-is-hope-that-peter-magyar-can-deliver-a-new-beginning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1877042","title":{"rendered":"Hungary Elections: There is hope that Peter Magyar can deliver a new beginning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/75\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_8d5362a8-d060-54d1-8389-cffa7419ae46-9717566.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2875984-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2875984\" data-cid=\"9674506\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2875984-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\/67\/45\/06\/189x106_cmsv2_4eb4628b-54c8-54e5-b1d2-ba74cdafd014-9674506.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Troc Burlesque Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1972 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Getting people together: Neal Slavin on the art of group photography\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885274-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885274\" data-cid=\"9717798\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885274-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\/77\/98\/189x106_cmsv2_dde39b6e-afb0-505e-a8cb-3d9d6c0768bd-9717798.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a panel discussion\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Hungary<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>    Hungary Election: An Orb\u00e1n victory would be good news for Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884909-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884909\" data-cid=\"9715803\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884909-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\/58\/03\/189x106_cmsv2_f97074db-d2c6-524c-a898-9b5a639f4810-9715803.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Girona FC new Retro Kit 2026 revealed at Madrid Fashion Week\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    La Liga teams play in retro football kits for historic matchday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885245-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885245\" data-cid=\"9717686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885245-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\/76\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_e3fc26be-18ee-5f14-8e94-cda87443b3ee-9717686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rome2Rio and its parent company Omio \u2014 have launched apps inside ChatGPT, allowing users to search, compare, and plan journeys.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    From flights to hotels: Could ChatGPT now plan your entire holiday?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2875984-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2875984\" data-cid=\"9674506\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2875984-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\/67\/45\/06\/189x106_cmsv2_4eb4628b-54c8-54e5-b1d2-ba74cdafd014-9674506.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Troc Burlesque Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1972 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Getting people together: Neal Slavin on the art of group photography\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885274-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885274\" data-cid=\"9717798\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885274-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\/77\/98\/189x106_cmsv2_dde39b6e-afb0-505e-a8cb-3d9d6c0768bd-9717798.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a panel discussion\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Hungary<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>    Hungary Election: An Orb\u00e1n victory would be good news for Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884909-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884909\" data-cid=\"9715803\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884909-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\/58\/03\/189x106_cmsv2_f97074db-d2c6-524c-a898-9b5a639f4810-9715803.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Girona FC new Retro Kit 2026 revealed at Madrid Fashion Week\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    La Liga teams play in retro football kits for historic matchday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885245-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885245\" data-cid=\"9717686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885245-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\/76\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_e3fc26be-18ee-5f14-8e94-cda87443b3ee-9717686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rome2Rio and its parent company Omio \u2014 have launched apps inside ChatGPT, allowing users to search, compare, and plan journeys.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    From flights to hotels: Could ChatGPT now plan your entire holiday?\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>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Hungary<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><br \/>\n            Hungary Elections: There is hope that Peter Magyar can deliver a new beginning<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" 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\/71\/75\/66\/1536x864_cmsv2_8d5362a8-d060-54d1-8389-cffa7419ae46-9717566.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Peter Magyar\"><\/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              Peter Magyar<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\">Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\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;nbsp<b>Val\u00e9rie Hayer, President of the Renew Europe group in the EU Parliament<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775890821\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-04-11 09:00:21 +02:00\">11\/04\/2026 &#8211; 9:00 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"09:59\">9:59<\/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\" 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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>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-disclaimer\">\n        The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent in any way the editorial position of Euronews.\n            <\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        What will Hungary\u2019s elections bring? In an op-ed for Euronews, EU politician Val\u00e9rie Hayer expresses hope that P\u00e9ter Magyar could usher in a new political beginning, while warning that another term for Viktor Orb\u00e1n risks cementing irreversible democratic backsliding.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Hungary stands at a historic crossroads. After more than a decade and a half under Viktor Orb\u00e1n, the country faces a fundamental choice that will irreversibly shape its fate: a disgraceful slide toward authoritarianism inspired by Russia or a return to liberal democracy firmly anchored in Europe. For Hungary, the decisive moment has arrived. <\/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>This is a point of no return. It is a choice between a state captured by corrupt elites, driven by systemic impunity and sustained by an economy that has been drained and hollowed out despite billions of EU funding \u2013 or a state that delivers real opportunities for its citizens, with independent courts, investments in innovation, and a pluralistic democracy. <\/p>\n<h2>A victory for Orb\u00e1n would embolden extremist forces across the continent<\/h2>\n<p>The direction Hungary takes now will define not only its own future, but the future of Europe itself. A victory for Orb\u00e1n would embolden extremist forces across the continent and mark a triumph of illiberalism across Europe. Essential liberal freedoms are at stake. Europe cannot afford further erosion. <\/p>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n frames these elections as an existential choice between war and peace. His scaremongering rhetoric is built on fear. \u201cBrussels is blackmailing Hungary,\u201d and \u201cwar mafias in Kyiv hold back our oil\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>In Orb\u00e1n\u2019s propaganda, the European Union becomes an adversary, and support for Ukraine is portrayed as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty. It is a politics of distortion \u2013 one that replaces facts with anxiety and substitutes democratic debate with emotional manipulation. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-euronews\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n<div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n        \n      <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Hungary is ranked among the most corrupt countries in the EU<\/h2>\n<p>Yet the bully is not the EU. Orb\u00e1n is the destroyer. Hungary\u2019s daily reality reflects this. Orb\u00e1n promises prosperity, but forecasts have repeatedly fallen short. Wages remain roughly half the EU average, and living standards lag behind much of Europe. Hungary\u2019s education system is under strain, and regional inequalities persist. The promise of stability has not translated into shared prosperity. <\/p>\n<p>Although Hungary has been one of the largest beneficiaries of EU cohesion funds since joining in 2004, billions have flowed into the country. Under the corrupt Orb\u00e1n regime, however, these resources systematically fail to reach those who need them most. <\/p>\n<p>Instead, entrenched corruption has hollowed out their impact and weakened public trust. Organizations like Transparency International consistently rank Hungary among the most corrupt countries in the EU, alongside Bulgaria. This is not just a statistic \u2013 it is an Orb\u00e1n-made system that undermines growth, fairness, and opportunity. <\/p>\n<h2>An new leadership would be a chance<\/h2>\n<p>The alternative path is the hope of a pro-European Hungary that is a constructive and reliable member of both the EU and NATO. We have clear expectations towards a new leadership in Hungary: It would be the chance of a Hungary which would rebuild democratic institutions, implement genuine rule-of-law reforms, and establish robust anti-corruption mechanisms. <\/p>\n<p>These are not abstract ideals. They are practical prerequisites for unlocking EU funds that can transform lives: improving schools, modernizing rural infrastructure, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, and creating well-paid jobs. <\/p>\n<h2>Magyar could bring Hungary back onto a pro-European path<\/h2>\n<p>There is hope that Peter Magyar can truly deliver a new beginning. He often emphasizes that he represents an anti-establishment force \u2013 one that is not bound by the logic of old parties or the constraints of the status quo, and that stands apart from entrenched power networks. <\/p>\n<p>This is, at the very least, a promising intention that now needs to be translated into action. There is also reason to believe that he is serious about bringing the country back onto a pro-European path \u2013 that this core promise will not remain mere rhetoric, but will become a tangible and credible reality. <\/p>\n<p>This is the benchmark against which he will have to prove himself. We expect this return to the European path to be more than institutional reform. It must mean healing a deeply divided society, restoring trust in public life, and giving citizens a renewed sense of fairness and opportunity. <\/p>\n<h2>If Orb\u00e1n remains, Hungary would drift even further from the EU<\/h2>\n<p>It must mean aligning Hungary once again with the values that underpin the European project: democracy, transparency, solidarity, and respect for the rule of law. But the stakes are equally clear in the opposite direction. If Orb\u00e1n remains in power, Hungary will not recover from irreversible democratic backsliding. The country would drift even further from the EU, becoming an increasingly disruptive and dangerous actor within it. <\/p>\n<p>What we are witnessing is not a temporary deviation, but the consolidation of a system that steadily dismantles democratic checks and balances. At that point, the EU will face tough but necessary decisions. A Member State that systematically undermines common values and collaborates with adversaries \u2013 particularly on highly sensitive issues such as foreign policy or support for Ukraine \u2013 cannot continue without consequences. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Hungary&#8217;s upcoming election and the effects of the generation gap<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Now, this moment belongs to the Hungarian people<\/h2>\n<p>The EU needs clear answers to address continued obstruction, veto abuse, and strategic alignment against European interests. This must inevitably lead to rethinking unanimity rules, limiting veto powers in sensitive areas, and imposing sharp tools to protect and defend the integrity of the Union as a powerful and united EU. For progress in the EU, we finally need to abandon the principle of one size fits all. <\/p>\n<p>In key projects, like-minded Member States should be enabled to go ahead. A Europe at gradual speed should not be a taboo anymore. Now, this moment belongs to the Hungarian people. The choice is not between war and peace. It is between fear and progress, isolation and partnership, stagnation and renewal. Hungarians now hold in their hands whether their country will stand on the wrong or the strong side of European history.<\/p>\n<p><em>Val\u00e9rie Hayer is President of the Renew Europe group in the EU Parliament. The French jurist is substitute of the Committee on Budgets<\/em><em>and member of the European Parliament since 2019.<\/em><\/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>                  Hungary Election: An Orb\u00e1n victory would be good news for Europe<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Tens of thousands protest in Budapest over alleged child abuse in Hungary&#8217;s state-run institutions<\/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>    Euroviews<\/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 &#8216;play&#8217; US during planned talks in Pakistan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884829-pos3-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=\"2884829\" data-cid=\"9715437\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884829-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\/70\/35\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" 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\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Orb\u00e1n or Magyar: EU braces for veto politics or a cautious reset<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos4-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-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\/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-pos5-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-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\/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-pos6-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-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\/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>\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 &#8216;play&#8217; US during planned talks in Pakistan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884829-pos3-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=\"2884829\" data-cid=\"9715437\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884829-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\/70\/35\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" 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\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Orb\u00e1n or Magyar: EU braces for veto politics or a cautious reset<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos4-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-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\/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-pos5-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-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\/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-pos6-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-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\/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-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\">Hungary stands at a historic crossroads. After more than a decade and a half under Viktor Orb\u00e1n, the country faces a fundamental choice that will irreversibly shape its fate: a disgraceful slide toward authoritarianism inspired by Russia or a return to liberal democracy firmly anchored in Europe. For Hungary, the decisive moment has arrived.This is a point of no return. It is a choice between a state captured by corrupt elites, driven by systemic impunity and sustained by an economy that has been drained and hollowed out despite billions of EU funding \u2013 or a state that delivers real opportunities for its citizens, with independent courts, investments in innovation, and a pluralistic democracy.A victory for Orb\u00e1n would embolden extremist forces across the continentThe direction Hungary takes now will define not only its own future, but the future of Europe itself. A victory for Orb\u00e1n would embolden extremist forces across the continent and mark a triumph of illiberalism across Europe. Essential liberal freedoms are at stake. Europe cannot afford further erosion.Orb\u00e1n frames these elections as an existential choice between war and peace. His scaremongering rhetoric is built on fear. \u201cBrussels is blackmailing Hungary,\u201d and \u201cwar mafias in Kyiv hold back our oil\u201d.In Orb\u00e1n\u2019s propaganda, the European Union becomes an adversary, and support for Ukraine is portrayed as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty. It is a politics of distortion \u2013 one that replaces facts with anxiety and substitutes democratic debate with emotional manipulation.Hungary is ranked among the most corrupt countries in the EUYet the bully is not the EU. Orb\u00e1n is the destroyer. Hungary\u2019s daily reality reflects this. Orb\u00e1n promises prosperity, but forecasts have repeatedly fallen short. Wages remain roughly half the EU average, and living standards lag behind much of Europe. Hungary\u2019s education system is under strain, and regional inequalities persist. The promise of stability has not translated into shared prosperity.Although Hungary has been one of the largest beneficiaries of EU cohesion funds since joining in 2004, billions have flowed into the country. Under the corrupt Orb\u00e1n regime, however, these resources systematically fail to reach those who need them most.Instead, entrenched corruption has hollowed out their impact and weakened public trust. Organizations like Transparency International consistently rank Hungary among the most corrupt countries in the EU, alongside Bulgaria. This is not just a statistic \u2013 it is an Orb\u00e1n-made system that undermines growth, fairness, and opportunity.An new leadership would be a chanceThe alternative path is the hope of a pro-European Hungary that is a constructive and reliable member of both the EU and NATO. We have clear expectations towards a new leadership in Hungary: It would be the chance of a Hungary which would rebuild democratic institutions, implement genuine rule-of-law reforms, and establish robust anti-corruption mechanisms.These are not abstract ideals. They are practical prerequisites for unlocking EU funds that can transform lives: improving schools, modernizing rural infrastructure, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, and creating well-paid jobs.Magyar could bring Hungary back onto a pro-European pathThere is hope that Peter Magyar can truly deliver a new beginning. He often emphasizes that he represents an anti-establishment force \u2013 one that is not bound by the logic of old parties or the constraints of the status quo, and that stands apart from entrenched power networks.This is, at the very least, a promising intention that now needs to be translated into action. There is also reason to believe that he is serious about bringing the country back onto a pro-European path \u2013 that this core promise will not remain mere rhetoric, but will become a tangible and credible reality.This is the benchmark against which he will have to prove himself. We expect this return to the European path to be more than institutional reform. It must mean healing a deeply divided society, restoring trust in public life, and giving citizens a renewed sense of fairness and opportunity.If Orb\u00e1n remains, Hungary would drift even further from the EUIt must mean aligning Hungary once again with the values that underpin the European project: democracy, transparency, solidarity, and respect for the rule of law. But the stakes are equally clear in the opposite direction. If Orb\u00e1n remains in power, Hungary will not recover from irreversible democratic backsliding. The country would drift even further from the EU, becoming an increasingly disruptive and dangerous actor within it.What we are witnessing is not a temporary deviation, but the consolidation of a system that steadily dismantles democratic checks and balances. At that point, the EU will face tough but necessary decisions. A Member State that systematically undermines common values and collaborates with adversaries \u2013 particularly on highly sensitive issues such as foreign policy or support for Ukraine \u2013 cannot continue without consequences.Now, this moment belongs to the Hungarian peopleThe EU needs clear answers to address continued obstruction, veto abuse, and strategic alignment against European interests. This must inevitably lead to rethinking unanimity rules, limiting veto powers in sensitive areas, and imposing sharp tools to protect and defend the integrity of the Union as a powerful and united EU. For progress in the EU, we finally need to abandon the principle of one size fits all.In key projects, like-minded Member States should be enabled to go ahead. A Europe at gradual speed should not be a taboo anymore. Now, this moment belongs to the Hungarian people. The choice is not between war and peace. It is between fear and progress, isolation and partnership, stagnation and renewal. Hungarians now hold in their hands whether their country will stand on the wrong or the strong side of European history.Val\u00e9rie Hayer is President of the Renew Europe group in the EU Parliament. The French jurist is substitute of the Committee on Budgets and member of the European Parliament since 2019.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/11\/hungary-elections-peter-magyar&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/75\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_8d5362a8-d060-54d1-8389-cffa7419ae46-9717566.jpg&#8221;] Art Getting people together: Neal Slavin on the art of group photography Hungary Euroviews. Hungary Election: An Orb\u00e1n victory would be good news for Europe Lifestyle La Liga teams play in retro football kits for historic matchday Tech News From flights to hotels: Could ChatGPT now plan your entire holiday? 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