Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is gradually losing ground in the polls, with the newly formed opposition party “Tisza” gaining unprecedented momentum. According to the latest social survey released on June 18, 2025, Orban risks losing power in the upcoming spring 2026 parliamentary elections. This dramatic shift stems from the rising popularity of Peter Madar’s right-center opposition party, founded in 2024 by a former ally of Orban himself.
The polling data shows “Tisza” leading Orban’s conservative party, Fidesz, by a significant 15% margin, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction with the current government’s direction. Bloomberg and 24tv.ua have covered these developments extensively.
Political Fatigue and Desire for Change Drive Voters Away from Orban
Hungarian citizens are growing increasingly weary of constant political conflicts, scandals, and mutual accusationsbetween Fidesz and Tisza. The ruling government, led by Orban, has often struggled to come out on top amid these clashes. Orban’s controversial tactics—such as his Kremlin-inspired strategy of “enemy hunting” to consolidate power and stifle dissent—have failed to resonate with a public tired of corruption and autocracy.
The public sentiment is clear: for the first time in two decades, Orban’s Fidesz has lost its electoral dominance. With 62% of Hungarians expressing a strong desire for political change, dissatisfaction has reached record highs during Orban’s tenure.
Tisza Represents a New Era of Political Renewal in Hungary
The surge in support for Tisza underscores a deeper societal demand for transparency, dialogue, and genuine representation, replacing the old model of corrupt vertical control and personality cults. Far from being just an alternative to the traditional elite, Tisza is emerging as a true catalyst for political modernization in Hungary.
Interestingly, Peter Madar himself is a former Fidesz insider, highlighting the internal crisis within Orban’s ruling circle—a common sign of weakening authoritarian regimes. Even repressive measures against civil society and media have backfired, as public pressure forced the government to halt its “spring cleaning” campaign targeting dissenters. This reveals not only a loss of influence but a loss of control.
Hungary at a Crossroads: Between Isolationism and European Integration
Hungarian society increasingly rejects Orban’s isolationist and pro-Russian policies, which clash with the country’s interests as a member of the EU and NATO. The choice between Fidesz and Tisza is also a choice between autocracy and freedom.
Should Orban lose the upcoming elections, it would mark a significant geopolitical shift, weakening Moscow’s foothold in the EU. Budapest’s reputation as a “Trojan horse” for Russian interests would fade, and Tisza’s victory would signal a retreat of Russian influence in Central Europe.
Moreover, Hungary’s political transformation could energize democratization efforts across the region, especially in Central European countries where authoritarian tendencies remain strong. Orban’s fall would undermine the ideological backbone of illiberal nationalism in the EU, potentially diminishing similar movements in Poland, Slovakia, and Serbia.
Hungary is poised on the brink of historic change, with the rising opposition “Tisza” offering hope for a more open, transparent, and democratic future.
