To journalists, Orbán and his leading politicians downplay Péter Magyar’s party, claiming the movement will discredit itself in the coming years, leaving people with no choice but to vote for Orbán and his Fidesz party in the 2026 general elections. However, behind closed doors, a different picture emerges. It appears even the Hungarian PM is considering a possible defeat at the hands of the newly-formed Tisza Party.
Orbán’s decade-old strategy collapsed on 9th June
PM Viktor Orbán delivers three key strategic addresses each year. The first is his state-of-the-nation speech in February, the second at the Bálványos Summer Free University in July (held in Transylvania), and the third in Kötcse in August. In Kötcse, he addresses a select audience behind closed doors, allowing him to speak more freely. Szabad Európa obtained information about his remarks from an unnamed participant.
According to the source, the Hungarian PM acknowledged the success of the Tisza Party on 9th June. As a reminder, the ex-husband of former Justice Minister Judit Varga achieved almost 30% of the vote in the European parliamentary elections, the highest percentage any political player has received since 2009.
Orbán stated that the central political landscape has collapsed, meaning they can no longer force voters to choose between Fidesz and former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány (and his Democratic Coalition). Therefore, they must win debates on key policy areas such as healthcare and the railway system. The Hungarian PM’s concern is understandable, as Péter Magyar has been able to highlight these issues throughout the summer. Magyar discussed the intolerable conditions doctors face in hospitals without proper air-conditioning, the dire state of the Hungarian State Railways, and the struggles of the Hungarian education system.
Orbán to replace many MPs in 2026
Orbán admitted that Magyar’s party is likely to maintain its public support and will not fade away after a few missteps. He highlighted that the entire Hungarian political landscape has shifted.
Gábor Kubatov, the party director of Fidesz, revealed some additional shocking details about the 2026 elections at an open forum in Balatongyörök. Discussing the next general elections, he spoke of a potential neck-and-neck result. He added that they plan to replace one-third of their candidates in the constituencies because the party leadership is dissatisfied with their performance.
Orbán was critical of his government’s performance, particularly regarding the slow pace of bureaucracy in accessing available EU funds. As a result, €12 billion remains in Brussels, which could have stimulated the Hungarian economy over the next two years. He suggested that the more money they secure, the better, implying he does not expect further billions from Brussels.
Will the Prime Minister face more criticism over the struggling economy?
He also criticised his former ally, the governor of the Hungarian Central Bank, György Matolcsy. Matolcsy had criticised Orbán and his administration for overspending in 2022 to win the elections and for failing to tackle soaring inflation. Orbán’s political director, Balázs Orbán, condemned Matolcsy. The Hungarian PM stated that they no longer cooperate with Matolcsy, and in March 2025, one of his ministers will take over the central bank. Experts believe this will be Mihály Varga, a long-time ally of the Hungarian prime minister who has been a Fidesz MP since 1990.
We wrote HERE about two alleged strategies, which are not mutually exclusive, that Fidesz might use to secure victory in 2026. The first involves creating constituencies beyond the border for Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin. Given Orbán’s support is over 90% there, this could mean 7-8 or even more seats for him in the next parliament.
The second strategy, as covered by Bloomberg based on unnamed government sources, involves distributing substantial sums of money to voters, as they did in 2022. This approach resulted in Europe’s highest inflation and a halt in the Hungarian economy.
- HERE is our article about Orbán’s other announcements and promises in Kötcse.
Read also:
- President of Chad may invite Hungarian troops to his country during Budapest visit – read more HERE
- Washington Post: Orbán increasingly represents everything the EU opposes
Everyone get ready to party, without a shadow of a doubt they’ll max out the national credit card in 2026 while trying to secure yet another win. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts because the national finances will be teetering on bankruptcy thereafter whomever the nation decides to elect.
Orban is a smart man with an evil agenda. His political instincts are at the highest level. He knows now that political momentum is working against Fidesz and he must know that if any party is in power too long people start to look for change if a viable alternative is available. Peter Magyar has provided the alternative that Hungary did not have for so long. If Hungary does not change direction in 2026 the future will be very bleak because Fidesz is completely incompatible with EU and NATO membership.
I agree, Larry. Fidesz will fight 2026 quite literally like their life depends on it. Expect handouts galore, perhaps even shopping vouchers for all designed ‘to stimulate weak consumption’, but in reality a thinly veiled bribe that will unfortunately serve to influence people’s voting habits. Vote Fidesz and the free money tree will keep on giving (while also taking back with 27% VAT, even on groceries, and no tax free allowance or progressive income tax bands for low income earners).
How can Hungarians even consider a wife abuser and a wife betrayer as their leader? Does that mean women are not valued in Hungary?
Hungary should introduce real American style democracy, i.e., two terms PM only and no more.
Orbán, like Putin and Netanyahu, been in the job far too long, which enhances corruption and dictatorial habits like imposing wars.
You should also look at past long-term PMs and Chancellors, such as Merkel, who were responsible for Germany’s total social meltdown for 16 years by implementing Soros’ immigration policy.
In the UK, Thatcher and Blair were in their chair for three terms and both ended with deplorable results for the UK.
Hungary would be a ground braker, if it introduced the two-term PM only in the European Union.
Can’t wait to use all the benefits Fidesz will offer before the inevitable meltdown after the election results. We also need to be prepared for harsh timers after 2026 elections.
Btw. No such things happened as Germany’s social meltdown by Soros plan implementation. Germany is still a thriving nation, being the third largest economy in the world. https://kpmg.com/de/en/home/insights/overview/economic-key-facts-germany.html
I guess, Maria, it shows how desperate people are for change in Hungary that they’re willing to overlook legitimate questions about the conduct of Peter Magyar. Fact is, most people are only concerned by what policies he would implement and how these will positively impact Hungary’s future. As for women’s right, these are not high on the current government’s agenda as evidenced by viewing young women as baby making factories and sending two of their brightest female politicians to the incinerator when Orban’s oversight or even direct intervention in the paedophile pardon case was questioned. Judit Varga paid a heavy price and directly resulted in her former husband getting actively involved in politics to the great detriment of Fidesz. He did so in part over his outrage at how is ex-wife was treated. As an aside, I’d suggest this shows he cared more about his former wife than Fidesz would suggest.
Dear Maria, you are always my favorite to read. Your arguments are always spot on. That is why you are going to vote for the pedo protectors, am i right? 🙂
Hi Maria, just thinking about your comment about “wife betrayers”. There’s a prominent wife betrayer in the US that Fidesz is overly fond of… curious for your take on that.
No matter how good or bad a government or a leader may be, the population grows tired of them at some point. Orban will also be voted out, even though he has saved Hungary from a foreign invasion, from energy insecurity, and from a consequent explosion of energy prices, to name just a few. It’s how it goes. After all, the Brits voted out Churchill, just as he had won a world war!
It’s not a reflection on Orban or Fidesz but of human nature.