Now or never, Peter Magyar has been telling Hungarians, in a breathless campaign across the country in the run-up to 12 April elections that opinion polls suggest he can win. This 45-year-old former Fidesz party insider represents the biggest threat to Viktor Orban's rule in Hungary since he won the first of four consecutive victories in 2010. Magyar's slogan dates back to a revolutionary poet's 19th Century rallying cry to rise up for the homeland. After more than 100 campaign stops, his message has been shortened to Now: the words or never have been crossed out, adding to the urgency. He aims to visit all of Hungary's 106 constituencies and has given several speeches a day, building a support base even in areas where Fidesz traditionally dominates.
Last year, he walked 300km (185 miles) from Budapest to the Romanian border in a campaign to reunite the nation, aiming to win over natural Fidesz voters. Magyar promises to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and has sought to woo Hungary's disadvantaged Roma community. He also pledges to unlock billions of euros in EU funds, frozen due to Hungary's concerns over rule of law. In contrast, Orban has depicted him as a puppet of the EU.
Until February 2024, Magyar was very much part of the Fidesz family, marrying one of its rising stars, Judit Varga. His departure from Fidesz followed a scandal involving a notorious pardon issued by Varga, which led to significant public outcry. During a viral appearance on a pro-opposition YouTube channel, Magyar condemned the party and expressed his desire for change. As he gains traction, he contrasts Orban's rhetoric, proclaiming a need for real leadership rather than a facade of control. However, Magyar's journey is fraught with challenges, navigating accusations and orchestrating an emerging movement in a landscape dominated by Orban's longstanding influence.
Last year, he walked 300km (185 miles) from Budapest to the Romanian border in a campaign to reunite the nation, aiming to win over natural Fidesz voters. Magyar promises to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and has sought to woo Hungary's disadvantaged Roma community. He also pledges to unlock billions of euros in EU funds, frozen due to Hungary's concerns over rule of law. In contrast, Orban has depicted him as a puppet of the EU.
Until February 2024, Magyar was very much part of the Fidesz family, marrying one of its rising stars, Judit Varga. His departure from Fidesz followed a scandal involving a notorious pardon issued by Varga, which led to significant public outcry. During a viral appearance on a pro-opposition YouTube channel, Magyar condemned the party and expressed his desire for change. As he gains traction, he contrasts Orban's rhetoric, proclaiming a need for real leadership rather than a facade of control. However, Magyar's journey is fraught with challenges, navigating accusations and orchestrating an emerging movement in a landscape dominated by Orban's longstanding influence.
