Hungarian Opposition Leader Vows to End Orbán's Rule

Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary’s largest opposition party, pledged on Sunday to restore the country’s international standing and unlock billions in frozen European Union funds if he defeats Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in elections next year.

Speaking to thousands of supporters at a rally in Budapest, Magyar, who heads the center-right Respect and Freedom (Tisza) party, positioned himself as the most formidable challenger to Orbán since the nationalist leader took power in 2010. Recent polls suggest Tisza has overtaken Orbán’s Fidesz party amid economic stagnation and growing discontent with the government.

Economic Revival and EU Relations at Stake

Magyar vowed to revive Hungary’s economy by securing suspended EU funding, which he said could boost growth by at least 1% and inject an additional 800 billion forints ($2.22 billion) into the budget. “Hungary will once again be a proud and reliable NATO ally. Hungary will once again be a full-fledged member of the European Union,” he declared.

His promises come as Hungary faces mounting fiscal pressures. Last week, Standard & Poor’s downgraded the country’s credit outlook to negative, citing risks from trade disputes, reduced EU funding, and high debt costs. The EU has withheld billions over rule-of-law concerns, exacerbating economic challenges in the inflation-battered nation.

Magyar also pledged to hold a binding referendum on Ukraine’s bid to join the EU, calling it a divisive issue. Orbán has fiercely opposed Ukraine’s membership, arguing it would harm Hungarian farmers and the broader economy.

A Turning Point for Hungary’s Opposition

Orbán, who has governed with a parliamentary supermajority since 2010, has faced criticism for eroding democratic norms, undermining judicial independence, and aligning with autocratic regimes like Russia and China. Recent surveys, however, suggest Magyar’s focus on economic grievances—including inflation, healthcare failures, and corruption—has resonated with voters.

“This system cannot be reformed, cannot be fixed, cannot be improved. It can only be replaced,” Magyar told the crowd. “We will do so lawfully, democratically, but with determination.”

With the election still a year away, Magyar’s rise signals a potential shift in Hungary’s political landscape—one that could redefine its place in Europe.