In Hungary, the government and opposition competed for the larger demonstration
In Hungary, both the ruling Fidesz party and the leading opposition movement Tisza organized competing protests on the national day.
In Hungary, on the occasion of the national day, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's ruling Fidesz party and the leading opposition movement Tisza have staged rival demonstration marches. With parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, the stakes are high for both sides, crucial not only for Hungary but for the political landscape of Europe as a whole. The election campaign has been intensely contested, with many polls predicting victory for the opposition.
Despite the predictions, Orbán told his supporters that the ruling party would not settle for a narrow victory, aiming instead for a landslide triumph. Under Orbán's leadership, Hungary has taken a hardline stance towards Ukraine while maintaining strong ties with Moscow. This duality has shaped the political discourse, with the opposition voicing concerns over Orbán's policies and a perceived estrangement from Western allies.
Opposition leader Peter Magyar criticized Orbán's rhetoric as "ridiculous propaganda" and expressed a more favorable view towards Ukraine, although he remains cautious about supporting rapid EU membership for the country. According to Reuters, the opposition march clearly drew larger crowds compared to the government supporters' events, suggesting growing discontent among the populace regarding the current administration's approach and policies.