The European Union (EU) elections will show Hungarians that Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his government can be replaced. Hungarian politician Peter Magyar told Reuters this after a campaign rally attended by tens of thousands on the eve of polls.
Sunday’s European Parliament election is the first such test for Magyar. Magyar is an ex-government insider who turned against Orban’s rule over “corruption” and “state propaganda.” He burst onto Hungary’s political scene just four months ago.
Surveys put support for Orban’s right-wing Fidesz at 44% to 48% of the vote. Magyar’s right-of-centre Tisza is polling at a 23% to 29% range.
“Everyone will believe that the government can be replaced, even those who have not believed it until now.”
Although Magyar’s name is the first on the Tisza party list, he does not intend to take up a seat in the European Parliament if elected. Magyar said he would prefer to remain in Hungary and lay the groundwork to defeat Orban in the next national election. That is due in 2026.
Magyar said he will start building a party from what is now a “one-man-show.”
He said his European Parliament members will first concentrate on “bringing home” European Union funds for Hungary. Those funds are currently frozen. Magyar says Orban has taken little action on this so far.
The EU has suspended a large chunk of funds for Hungary. They say Budapest has damaged democratic checks and balances.
According to polls, Tisza can expect 6 or 7 seats in the European Parliament. Magyar said that Tisza’s MEPs will aim to join committees important for Hungarians such as agriculture, finance, environmental issues, healthcare.
With inputs from Reuters
