Hungary's European Elections: Orban's Fidesz Faces Setbacks Amid Rising Opposition
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's governing party Fidesz has emerged as the most voted in the European elections, receiving 44.62% of the vote. This result, however, marks the worst performance for Fidesz at the European elections, securing 11 seats in the European Parliament, two fewer than in the previous legislature. Leading figures re-elected include Tamas Deutsch and Eniko Gyori.
This election saw a record voter turnout of 55.99%, the highest since Hungary joined the EU in 2004. The results indicate a significant shift in the political landscape, with the newly established Tisza party, founded by former Fidesz leader Peter Magyar, capturing 29.69% of the vote to become the largest opposition force. Tisza is expected to join the European People's Party (EPP) group, adding seven deputies to its ranks, including Magyar himself.
The Democratic Coalition, aligned with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), exceeded the threshold with 8.1% of the vote, gaining two seats. The far-right Mi Hazánk Mozgalom secured one seat with 6.76% of the vote. Smaller parties, such as the liberals of Momentum (Renew), the Greens of LMP, and the far-right Jobbik, failed to elect any MPs.
Despite efforts to mobilize voters and discredit the opposition, Orbán's Fidesz saw a decline from its 2019 European election performance of 52.6%. Meanwhile, Magyar and his Tisza party emphasized fighting corruption and preparing for the next parliamentary elections in 2026. Magyar, a former ally turned critic of Orbán, targeted the government's corruption and ethical issues in his campaign.
Orbán's controversial tactics, including fear-mongering about war and anti-government protests, did little to stem the opposition's growth. Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP, expressed hopes of seeing Magyar's Tisza party among their ranks, marking a potential shift in the group's composition.
Parallel to the European elections, Hungary held nationwide local elections. In major cities, the opposition largely retained its positions. Notably, the mayoral election in Budapest saw the left-green incumbent Gergely Karacsony narrowly defeating his rival, David Vitezy, supported by Fidesz, by just 324 votes. The close result prompted Vitezy to call for a recount.
- Fidesz's worst performance highlights potential vulnerabilities in Orbán's stronghold over Hungary's political scene. The rising influence of opposition parties, particularly Peter Magyar's Tisza, signals a new era of political contests.
- The European elections' high turnout reflects increased political engagement among Hungarian voters, possibly driven by dissatisfaction with the current administration.
- Looking forward to the 2026 parliamentary elections, the opposition's gains could signify a major shift in Hungary's political future, especially if they continue to capitalize on widespread sentiments against corruption and authoritarian practices.
