“A resounding victory”: Peter Magyar’s party surprises Hungary

Citing unprecedented voter turnout since 1990 and the two-thirds parliamentary seats won by Peter Magyar’s party Tisza, Professor of Political Science at the University of Picardie, Laure Neumayer, said, “It’s truly a surprise and a remarkable result for this young party that was founded just two years ago.” Magyar was previously deeply embedded in the system, being the husband of the Minister of Justice and having spent his entire career in high administration. He dramatically parted ways with Fidesz two years ago, denouncing systemic corruption and vowing to break away from Viktor Orbán’s authoritarian ways, as pointed out by the researcher.

Neumayer also highlighted widespread corruption, outlining how European Union anti-fraud agency OLAF and Hungarian investigative journalists exposed misuse of EU funds, leading to rapid enrichment of Orban’s family and a close circle of individuals through political and economic intermingling.

An unprecedented economic decline

Exploring why Viktor Orbán failed, Neumayer explained the disastrous economic downturn Hungary experienced due to Covid, with sky-high inflation levels. She also mentioned the vigorous election campaign tactics by Fidesz, which backfired due to a series of scandals exposing corruption and ties with Russia, turning voters against Orbán.

Regarding Magyar’s promises, Neumayer stated his intention to bring Hungary back to the EU’s center, restore the rule of law, and make the country a reliable EU partner once again by lifting financial sanctions and injecting EU aid into the Hungarian economy.

“Viktor Orbán’s discourse contradiction”

Despite Orbán’s anti-EU rhetoric, Neumayer noted that Hungarians are not pro-Russian, with slogans denouncing Russia’s influence being used against Orbán. The contradiction peaked with US Vice President J.D. Vance’s Budapest visit, where he accused Brussels of undermining Hungary’s economy, leading to Neumayer’s analysis of a diversionary tactic by Fidesz.

While Magyar faces a considerable task ahead, Neumayer emphasized the need for institutional reshaping towards restoring the rule of law and independence of counterpowers in Hungary post-Orbán.