Budapest, Hungary — Peter Magyar, a prominent figure in the Hungarian opposition, formally kicked off his party’s election campaign on Sunday, pledging to dismantle the 16-year tenure of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Magyar, who previously served as a significant member of Orban’s Fidesz party, is now leading the center-right Tisza party and is widely regarded as Orban’s most formidable rival in many years.

The Tisza party, named after the Hungarian terms for “respect” and “freedom,” made a notable impact in the June 2024 European Parliament elections, garnering approximately 30% of the vote. Current polls suggest a favorable outlook for Tisza ahead of Hungary’s upcoming elections scheduled for April 12.

“Victory is within reach as we enter the final 56 days of our campaign,” Magyar declared to his supporters in Budapest this weekend. He emphasized the party’s readiness to govern and bring about change.

At 44 years old, Magyar has taken a strong stance against Orban’s government, accusing it of economic mismanagement and a lack of effective social services. He criticized the administrative approach that has allegedly contributed to Hungary being one of the less affluent countries in the European Union. “The Hungarian economy is not just stagnant; it has come to a standstill,” he remarked.

Magyar has also been vocal about Orban’s strained relationship with the European Union and his continued affiliations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially in light of the ongoing conflicts resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Following discussions with various European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, he asserted his commitment to reversing Hungary’s drift away from the EU. “Hungary belongs in Europe,” he insisted, adding that both Hungary and Europe benefit from this association.

Despite his criticisms of Orban’s policies, Magyar has indicated that a Tisza-led government would maintain a cautious stance towards Ukrainian membership in the EU. He is also set to uphold a border fence established in 2015, a key component of Orban’s anti-immigration agenda.

Determined to combat corruption, Magyar has pledged to strengthen Hungary’s democratic institutions and restore the rule of law to reclaim billions in frozen EU funding. “It’s crucial to label corruption as theft and to ensure transparency in public contracts,” he stated, vowing to recover funds that Hungary has lost over the years.

Throughout the campaign, Magyar has concentrated on traditional conservative areas, addressing essential issues like low wages and rising living expenditures to resonate with everyday voters. He has even challenged Orban to a televised debate, which has so far gone unanswered, branding the prime minister as one who resorts to intimidation tactics rather than open dialogue. “If my private life can be scrutinized, then so can anyone else’s,” he asserted.

Orban’s government has faced increasing accusations of suppressing dissent and curbing the rights of minority groups, particularly evident in the recent permissions granted for extremist gatherings while opposing demonstrations were curtailed. The ruling Fidesz party has notably refrained from publishing a formal campaign manifesto, suggesting voters should already be aware of its policies after 16 years in power.

During a recent speech, Orban affirmed his intention to continue targeting what he deemed “pseudo-civil organizations” and those he accused of being infiltrators within the media and judiciary. He maintained that his work is far from complete, indicating ongoing efforts to secure his administration’s legacy.