Two Hungarian politicians have made Politico’s 2025 list of Europe’s 28 most influential figures. Viktor Orbán ranks fourth in the “dreamers” category, while Péter Magyar secures sixth place among the “disrupters.” As Magyar rises as a challenger to Orbán’s long reign, the tension between the “challenger” and the “globalist” is shaping Hungary’s political future.
Two Hungarian politicians on Politico’s list
Politico has unveiled its 2025 list of Europe’s 28 most influential figures, highlighting two Hungarian politicians. As Telex reports, Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Prime Minister, is ranked fourth in the “dreamers” category, surpassing prominent figures such as Kaja Kallas and Andriy Yermak. Meanwhile, Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, earned sixth place among the “disrupters,” a group that includes Raffaele Fitto and Marine Le Pen. The rankings, which categorise politicians as “doers,” “disrupters,” or “dreamers,” underscore the growing influence of Hungarian politicians on the European stage. The full results of the list will be revealed on Tuesday evening.
The challenger vs the globalist
Péter Magyar was labelled “the challenger” as he is emerging as a key challenger to Viktor Orbán’s long-standing rule. Magyar, from a political family, has steadily built momentum, particularly among progressive urban voters and conservatives in rural areas, a stronghold of Orbán’s support. However, his challenge lies in balancing this appeal without alienating his base in Brussels, as Orbán uses state power, from the media to the judiciary, to undermine him.
Meanwhile, Orbán, labelled “the globalist”, is striving to reshape Europe’s political landscape through international alliances and his ideological influence in Brussels, where he has successfully mobilised conservative forces, especially with the backing of Donald Trump’s re-election. This growing network positions Orbán as a key player in linking Washington and Europe’s advancing conservative movement.
Magyar was quick to comment on Politico’s choice, in a Facebook post he writes:
There’s going to be a problem… Along with Al Capone of the Carpathians, I was included in Politico’s list of the 28 most influential European politicians as a challenger in the disrupter category. This year, the hereditary commissioner of Hatvanpuszta has been included in the globalist category in the “dare to dream big” category. Just don’t end up a nightmare, Prime Minister…
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