Viktor Orban faces pivotal election after 16 years

WorldPolitics
12 Apr 2026 • 12:06 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Hungarian voters are set to cast their ballots on Sunday in a parliamentary election where nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces his most significant challenge in 16 years.
  • Opinion polls indicate that Orban's Fidesz party is trailing the centre-right Tisza party, led by former Fidesz insider Peter Magyar, who is campaigning on an anti-corruption platform.
  • Orban's re-election campaign has been bolstered by support from US Vice President JD Vance, who visited Hungary, and has emphasised his strong ties with figures such as Vladimir Putin and Trump.
  • The Prime Minister has drawn widespread criticism across Europe for his pro-Russian stance on the invasion of Ukraine, including dismissing Russian drone incursions into Nato airspace.
  • Hungary's economy is struggling due to high inflation and the European Union withholding approximately €19bn in funding over concerns regarding the rule of law and corruption.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved