As Hungary approaches its parliamentary elections on April 12, opposition leader Peter Magyar is emerging as a serious contender against Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power since 2010. In recent public opinion polls, Magyar's party, Tisza, has been leading Orban's Fidesz party for several months, signaling a potential shift in political dynamics in the country. At a rally in Budapest, Magyar criticized the stagnation of the Hungarian economy and highlighted the pressing issue of corruption within the current government, attributing significant financial losses to Orban and his allies over the years.

Magyar's assertions point to a pervasive culture of corruption, accusing Orban's government of illegally pocketing billions of dollars during their leadership. He directly challenged the past administration, stating, "It's time to call corruption by its name – theft," while rallying support for his party's commitment to restoring integrity in public office. His focus on transparency aims to resonate with voters tired of economic mismanagement and corruption that he argues has put the country in a deadlock.

Moreover, in his rally speeches, Magyar promised to guarantee complete transparency in public funds contracts and pledged that his party would work tirelessly to recover every euro that Hungary has lost over the last 16 years. Alongside addressing corruption, he also accused Orban's government of engaging in spying on opponents, revealing a growing concern for civil liberties under Orban's rule. As the election date draws near, the stakes for both parties are high, and the battle against corruption could become a pivotal issue for voters looking for change in Hungary’s political landscape.