{"id":1878392,"date":"2026-04-12T05:00:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T02:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1878392"},"modified":"2026-04-12T05:00:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T02:00:27","slug":"hungary-begins-to-vote-orban-and-magyar-face-off-in-historic-vote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1878392","title":{"rendered":"Hungary begins to vote: Orb\u00e1n and Magyar face off in historic vote"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/72\/49\/1200x675_cmsv2_02d60bb7-a709-5d11-a614-dfb2d9c43fc5-9717249.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885183-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885183\" data-cid=\"9717400\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885183-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\/74\/00\/189x106_cmsv2_821efc2a-1fec-5da5-a2e8-b3c1c4cb4588-9717400.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Queen bees can breathe underwater, allowing them to stay alive over winter as melting snow floods their burrows.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Nature<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Queen bees survive winter by their ability to breathe underwater\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885522-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885522\" data-cid=\"9718757\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885522-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\/87\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_98f38134-f4cf-5d95-ab51-28ea5b39155f-9718757.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | April 12th, 2026 \u2013 Morning\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | April 12th, 2026 \u2013 Morning\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885254-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885254\" data-cid=\"9717732\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885254-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\/77\/32\/189x106_cmsv2_381518b3-5291-5229-a29f-7c28178bff6e-9717732.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A cashier changes a 50 Euro banknote with US dollars at an exchange counter in Rome, Wednesday, July 13, 2022.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU\u2019s top 5 economies vs top 5 US states: How do they compare in GDP?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885498-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885498\" data-cid=\"9718633\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885498-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\/86\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_4368446d-0e95-54fd-aefb-d0f9825f9756-9718633.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pope Leo XIV leads a vigil for peace inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, April 11, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Enough of war!&#8217; says Pope Leo XIV who grows increasingly frustrated\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885183-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885183\" data-cid=\"9717400\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885183-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\/74\/00\/189x106_cmsv2_821efc2a-1fec-5da5-a2e8-b3c1c4cb4588-9717400.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Queen bees can breathe underwater, allowing them to stay alive over winter as melting snow floods their burrows.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Nature<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Queen bees survive winter by their ability to breathe underwater\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885522-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=\"2885522\" data-cid=\"9718757\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885522-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\/87\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_98f38134-f4cf-5d95-ab51-28ea5b39155f-9718757.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | April 12th, 2026 \u2013 Morning\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | April 12th, 2026 \u2013 Morning\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885254-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885254\" data-cid=\"9717732\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885254-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\/77\/32\/189x106_cmsv2_381518b3-5291-5229-a29f-7c28178bff6e-9717732.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A cashier changes a 50 Euro banknote with US dollars at an exchange counter in Rome, Wednesday, July 13, 2022.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU\u2019s top 5 economies vs top 5 US states: How do they compare in GDP?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885498-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885498\" data-cid=\"9718633\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885498-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\/86\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_4368446d-0e95-54fd-aefb-d0f9825f9756-9718633.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pope Leo XIV leads a vigil for peace inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, April 11, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Enough of war!&#8217; says Pope Leo XIV who grows increasingly frustrated\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                            Hungary begins to vote: Orb\u00e1n and Magyar face off in historic vote <\/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\/72\/49\/1536x864_cmsv2_02d60bb7-a709-5d11-a614-dfb2d9c43fc5-9717249.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"People walk next to a campaign poster which reads, &quot;Our message to Brussels: We won't pay&quot; in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, ahead of the April 12 parliamenta\"><\/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;Our message to Brussels: We won&#8217;t pay&#8221; in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, ahead of the April 12 parliamenta<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 c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\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\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775970027\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-12 07:00:27 +02:00\">12\/04\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Polls open in Hungary&#8217;s most consequential election in decades, as veteran PM Viktor Orb\u00e1n faces a serious challenge from opposition leader P\u00e9ter Magyar amid allegations of foreign interference and a bruising campaign.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Hungarians began voting on Sunday in what is seen as the country&#8217;s most consequential election in decades, closely watched across Europe, the US and Russia as the ramifications for the European Union to Vladimir Putin are many. <\/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>After a campaign marked by personal attacks, harassment and isolated incidents of violence, polling stations opened at 6am in what many analysts describe as a referendum on 16 years uninterrupted rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n, who has governed with a parliamentary supermajority since 2010, faces the most significant challenge of his political career under former ally P\u00e9ter Magyar.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOrb\u00e1n has consistently won by large margins, largely due to a fragmented opposition,\u201d political analyst Szabolcs Dull told Euronews ahead of the vote. \u201cThis is the first election with genuine stakes, as he now faces a single challenger who, according to polling, is capable of winning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Recent surveys suggested a strong lead for Tisza in a historic shift.<\/p>\n<p>Research published this week by Hungarian pollster Medi\u00e1n projected a potential two-thirds parliamentary majority for the opposition. However, a source within Orb\u00e1n\u2019s Fidesz party told Euronews, on condition of anonymity, that the governing camp remains confident, arguing its core voters are underrepresented in polls.<\/p>\n<h2>The insider versus the illiberal leader<\/h2>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n is one of the most experienced figures in Hungary\u2019s modern political history. <\/p>\n<p>He co-founded Fidesz during the collapse of communism and rose to prominence in 1989 after calling for the withdrawal of Soviet troops.<\/p>\n<p>Since returning to power in 2010, he has reshaped Hungary\u2019s constitution, institutions and media landscape.<\/p>\n<p>On the European stage, Orb\u00e1n has emerged as a leading figure of the hard-right, known for his stance on zero migration and frequent clashes with EU institutions.<\/p>\n<p>Magyar broke with the government in 2024 following a scandal linked to the pardon of a convict in a child sexual abuse case. He founded the Tisza Party the same year, securing 30% of the vote in the European Parliament elections that same year.<\/p>\n<p>His campaign has focused on grassroots outreach, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, where support for his movement has steadily grown.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is promising both a change of government and a renewal of the opposition,\u201d Dull said. \u201cHis advantage is that he is the only credible challenger, consolidating support that was previously divided.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Hungary as a global ideological battleground<\/h2>\n<p>The vote is being closely followed in Brussels and other European capitals. Orb\u00e1n\u2019s government has long been at odds with the European Union, frequently using its veto powers.<\/p>\n<p>In March, Hungary blocked a \u20ac90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine amid a dispute over the Druzhba pipeline, drawing criticism from several member states. Orb\u00e1n has also maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the EU, Hungary has become a focal point in a broader ideological contest between nationalist and liberal democratic forces.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOrb\u00e1n promotes what he describes as \u2018patriotic politics\u2019, positioning it in opposition to liberal democracy,\u201d Dull said. \u201cIf he is defeated, it could represent a symbolic setback for similar movements internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n has received backing from several prominent figures on the international right, including former US President Donald Trump. US Vice President JD Vance travelled to Budapest during the campaign, alongside appearances by France\u2019s Marine Le Pen and Italy\u2019s Matteo Salvini.<\/p>\n<p>Magyar, meanwhile, is aligned with the European conservative mainstream sphere, even if he is not a pro-European leader in the liberal sense of the term. Tisza Party sits within the European People\u2019s Party, the centre-right group in the European Parliament, and he has pledged to restore Hungary\u2019s relations with the EU and NATO.<\/p>\n<p>While no foreign leaders publicly endorsed him, he has received support from senior EPP figures, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.<\/p>\n<h2>A nasty campaign from Russian leaks to a sex tape<\/h2>\n<p>The campaign has been dominated by sharply contrasting narratives. <\/p>\n<p>The opposition has focused on domestic concerns such as public services, the cost of living and corruption.<\/p>\n<p>Orb\u00e1n\u2019s campaign, by contrast, has centred on foreign policy, particularly Ukraine. <\/p>\n<p>He has warned that Ukrainian EU membership would pose economic and security risks and accused the opposition of being aligned with &#8220;dark forces&#8221; looking to prolong the war. He has also accused Magyar of being a Brussels puppet leader.<\/p>\n<p>Magyar has rejected those claims.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe framing from both sides is stark,\u201d Dull said. \u201cOrb\u00e1n presents the choice as one between war and peace, while Magyar argues the election is ultimately about whether Orb\u00e1n remains in power.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The campaign has also been marked by allegations of intimidation, limited violence and claims of foreign interference.<\/p>\n<p>In February, Magyar alleged that individuals linked to the government attempted to compromise him using a so-called honey trap. No video evidence has been made public.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly afterwards, leaked recordings appeared to show Hungary\u2019s foreign minister in discussions with his Russian counterpart about potential lobbying within the EU.<\/p>\n<p>Analysts say multiple intelligence services may be seeking to influence the campaign through the release of damaging material.<\/p>\n<h2>How the vote works<\/h2>\n<p>Polling stations opened at 06:00 and are due to close at 19:00. Hungary operates a single-round electoral system, with the party or coalition securing the most seats invited to form a government.<\/p>\n<p>Of the 199 parliamentary seats, 106 are elected in individual constituencies, while the remaining 93 are allocated through party lists. Hungarian citizens living abroad are also eligible to vote.<\/p>\n<p>Preliminary results are expected later in the evening, with official results anticipated around midnight.<\/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>                  Hungarian opposition Tisza party cements lead ahead of April elections, polls show<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Newsletter: Cut Hungary from EU talks unless it explains allegations of leaks to Russia &#8211; Barroso<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  &#8216;Our sons will not die for Ukraine,&#8217; Orb\u00e1n tells supporters ahead of crucial April elections<\/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-2885391-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=\"2885391\" data-cid=\"9718270\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885391-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\/82\/70\/320x180_cmsv2_2fe58ee0-9aec-5c89-85ee-3627fc5884cb-9718270.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A vehicle believed to be carrying U.S. Vice President JD Vance makes its way upon his arrival for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, April 11, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    High-stakes peace talks to resolve Iran war underway in Pakistan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885423-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=\"2885423\" data-cid=\"9718374\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885423-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\/67\/56\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_d9191a1c-3d03-5b6a-9cc1-45b7fa2156fd-9675600.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian soldiers returning from Russian captivity get off the bus during a POW exchange between Russia and Ukraine in Chernyhiv region, Ukraine, Thursday, March 5, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine and Russia exchange prisoners ahead of Orthodox Easter truce<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885394-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885394\" data-cid=\"9718328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885394-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\/82\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_b38cdb55-e636-56ed-8fb5-5e195431150b-9718273.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A photographer shows the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Jag Vasant carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, after arriving to clear the Strait of Hormuz.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Has Iran lost the locate of its mines in the Strait of Hormuz?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885441-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885441\" data-cid=\"9718446\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885441-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\/84\/41\/320x180_cmsv2_4a29a870-058d-57a7-935a-ed5a0129a149-9718441.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"How many birds die from wind turbines? Surprising results\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How many birds die from wind turbines? Surprising findings<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884844-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=\"2884844\" data-cid=\"9716719\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884844-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\/67\/19\/320x180_cmsv2_cd8b6e71-ab0d-5e46-9ad0-eca1c8de600d-9716719.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n campaigns in Debrecen on 9 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viktor Orb\u00e1n: From young dissident to Europe&#8217;s most polarising leader<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-2885274-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885274\" data-cid=\"9717798\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 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<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-2884952-pos2-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\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885441-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885441\" data-cid=\"9718446\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How many birds die from wind turbines? Surprising findings<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-2885041-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885041\" data-cid=\"9716571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU considering excessive profit taxes on oil and gas companies<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-2884367-pos5-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>\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-2885391-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=\"2885391\" data-cid=\"9718270\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885391-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\/82\/70\/320x180_cmsv2_2fe58ee0-9aec-5c89-85ee-3627fc5884cb-9718270.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A vehicle believed to be carrying U.S. Vice President JD Vance makes its way upon his arrival for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, April 11, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    High-stakes peace talks to resolve Iran war underway in Pakistan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885423-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=\"2885423\" data-cid=\"9718374\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885423-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\/67\/56\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_d9191a1c-3d03-5b6a-9cc1-45b7fa2156fd-9675600.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian soldiers returning from Russian captivity get off the bus during a POW exchange between Russia and Ukraine in Chernyhiv region, Ukraine, Thursday, March 5, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine and Russia exchange prisoners ahead of Orthodox Easter truce<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885394-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885394\" data-cid=\"9718328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885394-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\/82\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_b38cdb55-e636-56ed-8fb5-5e195431150b-9718273.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A photographer shows the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Jag Vasant carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, after arriving to clear the Strait of Hormuz.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Has Iran lost the locate of its mines in the Strait of Hormuz?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885441-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885441\" data-cid=\"9718446\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885441-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\/84\/41\/320x180_cmsv2_4a29a870-058d-57a7-935a-ed5a0129a149-9718441.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"How many birds die from wind turbines? Surprising results\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How many birds die from wind turbines? Surprising findings<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884844-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=\"2884844\" data-cid=\"9716719\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884844-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\/67\/19\/320x180_cmsv2_cd8b6e71-ab0d-5e46-9ad0-eca1c8de600d-9716719.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n campaigns in Debrecen on 9 April 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viktor Orb\u00e1n: From young dissident to Europe&#8217;s most polarising leader<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885274-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885274\" data-cid=\"9717798\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 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<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos2-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-2885441-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885441\" data-cid=\"9718446\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How many birds die from wind turbines? Surprising findings<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885041-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885041\" data-cid=\"9716571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU considering excessive profit taxes on oil and gas companies<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884367-pos5-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 class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Hungarians began voting on Sunday in what is seen as the country&#8217;s most consequential election in decades, closely watched across Europe, the US and Russia as the ramifications for the European Union to Vladimir Putin are many.After a campaign marked by personal attacks, harassment and isolated incidents of violence, polling stations opened at 6am in what many analysts describe as a referendum on 16 years uninterrupted rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n.Orb\u00e1n, who has governed with a parliamentary supermajority since 2010, faces the most significant challenge of his political career under former ally P\u00e9ter Magyar.\u201cOrb\u00e1n has consistently won by large margins, largely due to a fragmented opposition,\u201d political analyst Szabolcs Dull told Euronews ahead of the vote. \u201cThis is the first election with genuine stakes, as he now faces a single challenger who, according to polling, is capable of winning.\u201dRecent surveys suggested a strong lead for Tisza in a historic shift.Research published this week by Hungarian pollster Medi\u00e1n projected a potential two-thirds parliamentary majority for the opposition. However, a source within Orb\u00e1n\u2019s Fidesz party told Euronews, on condition of anonymity, that the governing camp remains confident, arguing its core voters are underrepresented in polls.The insider versus the illiberal leaderOrb\u00e1n is one of the most experienced figures in Hungary\u2019s modern political history.He co-founded Fidesz during the collapse of communism and rose to prominence in 1989 after calling for the withdrawal of Soviet troops.Since returning to power in 2010, he has reshaped Hungary\u2019s constitution, institutions and media landscape.On the European stage, Orb\u00e1n has emerged as a leading figure of the hard-right, known for his stance on zero migration and frequent clashes with EU institutions.Magyar broke with the government in 2024 following a scandal linked to the pardon of a convict in a child sexual abuse case. He founded the Tisza Party the same year, securing 30% of the vote in the European Parliament elections that same year.His campaign has focused on grassroots outreach, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, where support for his movement has steadily grown.\u201cHe is promising both a change of government and a renewal of the opposition,\u201d Dull said. \u201cHis advantage is that he is the only credible challenger, consolidating support that was previously divided.\u201dHungary as a global ideological battlegroundThe vote is being closely followed in Brussels and other European capitals. Orb\u00e1n\u2019s government has long been at odds with the European Union, frequently using its veto powers.In March, Hungary blocked a \u20ac90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine amid a dispute over the Druzhba pipeline, drawing criticism from several member states. Orb\u00e1n has also maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.Beyond the EU, Hungary has become a focal point in a broader ideological contest between nationalist and liberal democratic forces.\u201cOrb\u00e1n promotes what he describes as \u2018patriotic politics\u2019, positioning it in opposition to liberal democracy,\u201d Dull said. \u201cIf he is defeated, it could represent a symbolic setback for similar movements internationally.\u201dOrb\u00e1n has received backing from several prominent figures on the international right, including former US President Donald Trump. US Vice President JD Vance travelled to Budapest during the campaign, alongside appearances by France\u2019s Marine Le Pen and Italy\u2019s Matteo Salvini.Magyar, meanwhile, is aligned with the European conservative mainstream sphere, even if he is not a pro-European leader in the liberal sense of the term. Tisza Party sits within the European People\u2019s Party, the centre-right group in the European Parliament, and he has pledged to restore Hungary\u2019s relations with the EU and NATO.While no foreign leaders publicly endorsed him, he has received support from senior EPP figures, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.A nasty campaign from Russian leaks to a sex tapeThe campaign has been dominated by sharply contrasting narratives.The opposition has focused on domestic concerns such as public services, the cost of living and corruption.Orb\u00e1n\u2019s campaign, by contrast, has centred on foreign policy, particularly Ukraine.He has warned that Ukrainian EU membership would pose economic and security risks and accused the opposition of being aligned with &#8220;dark forces&#8221; looking to prolong the war. He has also accused Magyar of being a Brussels puppet leader.Magyar has rejected those claims.\u201cThe framing from both sides is stark,\u201d Dull said. \u201cOrb\u00e1n presents the choice as one between war and peace, while Magyar argues the election is ultimately about whether Orb\u00e1n remains in power.\u201dThe campaign has also been marked by allegations of intimidation, limited violence and claims of foreign interference.In February, Magyar alleged that individuals linked to the government attempted to compromise him using a so-called honey trap. No video evidence has been made public.Shortly afterwards, leaked recordings appeared to show Hungary\u2019s foreign minister in discussions with his Russian counterpart about potential lobbying within the EU.Analysts say multiple intelligence services may be seeking to influence the campaign through the release of damaging material.How the vote worksPolling stations opened at 06:00 and are due to close at 19:00. Hungary operates a single-round electoral system, with the party or coalition securing the most seats invited to form a government.Of the 199 parliamentary seats, 106 are elected in individual constituencies, while the remaining 93 are allocated through party lists. Hungarian citizens living abroad are also eligible to vote.Preliminary results are expected later in the evening, with official results anticipated around midnight.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/04\/12\/hungary-begins-to-vote-orban-and-magyar-face-off-in-historic-vote&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/72\/49\/1200x675_cmsv2_02d60bb7-a709-5d11-a614-dfb2d9c43fc5-9717249.jpg&#8221;] Nature Queen bees survive winter by their ability to breathe underwater Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | April 12th, 2026 \u2013 Morning Economy EU\u2019s top 5 economies vs top 5 US states: How do they compare in GDP? Europe News &#8216;Enough of war!&#8217; says Pope Leo XIV who grows increasingly [&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-1878392","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\/1878392","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=1878392"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1878392\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1878392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1878392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1878392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}