Bad news for Zbigniew Ziobro. The Hungarian opposition expands its lead over Viktor Orbán's party
Upcoming elections pose a significant threat to Viktor Orbán's hold on power in Hungary as new polls show the opposition coalition gaining a lead.
The upcoming elections in Hungary represent a critical turning point as for the first time since 2010, Viktor Orbán faces a real threat of losing power. In the 2022 elections, Orbán's coalition of Fidesz-KDNP received 54.13% of the votes, translating into 135 seats out of 199 in parliament due to Hungary's electoral system that favors winning parties. Conversely, the opposition coalition, United for Hungary, secured 34.44%, earning them 57 seats, marking a substantial challenge to Orbán's dominance.
Recent polling from the Median research center, conducted between February 18 and 23, indicates that the landscape is shifting dramatically. The poll suggests that the centrist-right opposition party, led by Péter Magyar, may garner 55% of the vote, significantly up from earlier figures—a four-point increase since January. This shift suggests an increasing momentum for the opposition as voters appear more receptive to alternatives to Orbán's long-standing rule. With only weeks left until the elections, the Hungarians may be poised for a major political realignment.
Furthermore, confidence among voters for Orbán's Fidesz appears to be waning, with only 35% expressing intention to vote for his party, which underscores the growing frustration among the electorate. This developing scenario indicates that the Hungarian political arena could soon be subject to change, with broader implications for governance, policy direction, and Hungary's relationship within EU frameworks. The elections not only serve as a referendum on Orbán's leadership but could also shape the future of opposition politics in the region.