Live: Hungary votes in essential election that might oust populist Orban | EUROtoday

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A pro-government demonstrator holds a sign with drawings of US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Hungary, on Oct. 23, 2025.
A professional-government demonstrator holds an indication with drawings of US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest on October 23, 2025. © Rudolf Karancsi, AP

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces his largest problem on Sunday because the nation votes in essential elections that might hand victory to his centre-right rival Peter Magyar. Orban, an ally of US President Donald Trump and one of many European Union’s largest antagonists, has run an aggressive marketing campaign, claiming {that a} defeat would drag his nation into conflict alongside Ukraine. Follow our liveblog for all the newest developments.

Orban and Magyar face off in historic vote

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, 62, who’s looking for a fifth straight time period, has reworked his nation right into a mannequin of intolerant democracy, following US President Donald Trump in casting migration and “woke” values as a “civilisational” menace.

Former authorities insider Magyar, 45, burst onto the scene simply two years in the past, amassing assist in opposition to the backdrop of financial stagnation, regardless of an electoral system skewed in favour of Orban’s Fidesz get together.



Senior fellow for Europe on the Council on Foreing Relations, Liana Fix, shares additional insights.

How Orban advantages from Hungary’s tailored election system

Peter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza Party could be comfortably forward in Hungary’s parliamentary election polls however he’s removed from assured victory.

The nation’s electoral system has been designed to assist ruling Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz get together – and any establishments which are working in his favour – each step of the way in which.

Read extra right here: How Orban advantages from Hungary’s tailored election system

More than half of Hungarian voters solid poll

  • At 3pm, a document turnout of 66 % was recorded, in contrast with 52.75 % in 2022, in keeping with the National Electoral Office.
  • 7.5 million voters are eligible to vote within the nation, together with an extra 500,000 registered overseas.
  • Polling stations will shut at 7pm. As no polling organisations are planning to conduct exit polls, the outcomes will solely change into often known as the votes are counted.

Why Hungary’s Viktor Orban vilified Ukraine earlier than essential elections

An attendee holds a picture of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a pro-government rally named a ‘Peace March’ throughout Hungary’s National Day celebrations in Budapest, Hungary, March 15, 2026. © Marton Monus, Reuters

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s marketing campaign has characterised his predominant rival Peter Hungarian as a stooge of Kyiv and Brussels. With his get together trailing within the polls, the nationalist chief has sought to escalate tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, alleging that Kyiv and its European allies are conspiring to pull Hungary into conflict with Russia.

Read extra right here: Why Hungary’s Viktor Orban vilified Ukraine earlier than essential elections

Welcome to the FRANCE 24 liveblog protecting the Hungarian elections.

What you could know

  • His predominant opponent is Peter Magyar, who has established himself because the face of the opposition.
  • The marketing campaign has been marked by excessive tensions surrounding the European Union, the conflict in Ukraine and relations with Russia.
  • The outcomes of this election might affect Hungary’s political route and its relations with European capitals.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, Reuters and AP)

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260412-live-hungary-parliamentary-elections-orb%C3%A1n

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