Hungary’s ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has widened its lead over the liberal-globalist opposition, despite months of mounting pressure.
According to a December poll by Századvég, Fidesz stands strong at 40% support, leaving its closest rival, the Respect and Freedom Party (Tisza), trailing at 31%.
Trailing further behind, the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP) holds 7%, and the Our Homeland Movement (Mi Hazánk) garners 6%. Meanwhile, smaller opposition parties like the Democratic Coalition, Momentum, and MSZP fail to meet the critical 5% threshold, with undecided voters making up 7% of respondents.
When considering confirmed party voters, Fidesz-KDNP could secure 42% of the vote if elections were held today, with Tisza achieving 34%. MKKP and Mi Hazánk would receive 7% each, while the Democratic Coalition would capture 5%, leaving Momentum and MSZP struggling at 3% and 1%, respectively.
Péter Magyar, Tisza’s leader, has faced a barrage of scandals that appear to have tarnished his reputation and party support. From aggressive behavior toward children’s home staff to physical altercations with ruling party member Tamás Menczer, Magyar’s actions have sparked widespread criticism. Leaked audio recordings further revealed disparaging remarks about his supporters, MEPs, and journalists, exacerbating public disapproval.
The fallout has been stark. Magyar’s favorability rating, already in negative territory, has plummeted. In November, 42% viewed him positively while 54% held negative opinions, giving him a net popularity score of -12. By December, positive opinions dropped to 39%, while negative opinions rose to 57%, driving his score to -18.
The string of controversies surrounding Magyar has eroded Tisza’s momentum, while Fidesz continues to consolidate its position as Hungary’s dominant political force.
