Orban’s opponent stresses strong EU and NATO ties and a pragmatic approach to Russia

Peter Magyar, the opposition candidate challenging Prime Minister Viktor Orban, stated to Reuters that if elected in the upcoming 2026 elections, he would ensure Hungary remains firmly integrated within the European Union and NATO, while also seeking to establish “pragmatic relations” with Russia.

Magyar’s centre-right Tisza Party emerged on the Hungarian political scene last year, presenting the most significant challenge to Orban’s leadership since he assumed office in 2010. Magyar’s rising popularity has been reflected in recent polls, where Tisza has outperformed Orban’s Fidesz party.

Orban has faced criticism from various EU leaders regarding his government’s connections with Russia and its stance against military support for Ukraine, all while his administration grapples with reviving the economy in the wake of inflation challenges. Magyar, a former government insider and the dynamic leader of Tisza, expressed his intention to unlock billions of euros in frozen EU funds to stimulate economic growth by implementing robust anti-corruption measures. He also indicated a desire to join the European Union prosecutor’s office, a move that has been dismissed by Budapest’s nationalist government, which is currently embroiled in a rule of law conflict with Brussels.

This ongoing dispute has resulted in Hungary losing access to essential EU funding. “We are a member of the EU, this club, and a member of NATO… naturally, this is an open economy, and we must maintain good relations with other powers… while eastern connections are significant, we currently export approximately 80% of our goods to the EU market,” Magyar remarked to Reuters during an interview in Tisza’s modest office located in a Budapest apartment building. He also confirmed that his party intends to contest the elections independently, dismissing the possibility of forming alliances with other opposition groups.

PRAGMATIC RUSSIA STRATEGY

The government led by Orban has maintained strong connections with Moscow, even in the aftermath of the conflict in Ukraine, and has openly criticized the EU’s sanctions against Russia. He is perceived to have a close relationship with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
When discussing his stance on Russia, Magyar stated that he would take a “pragmatic” approach.
“I do not believe in the existence of friendships in politics… whether it be an Orban-Trump or Orban-Putin friendship. What exists are interests, and it is essential for leaders to advocate for the interests of their nations… for this, alliances are necessary, but they should be based on shared values.”

Hungary continues to depend significantly on imports of Russian gas and crude oil, and in 2014, Orban awarded a contract to Russia’s Rosatom to construct a nuclear power plant without a competitive bidding process, a project that is still in progress.
“I believe the Paks nuclear project cannot be stopped… This is an international agreement, and while we can negotiate various aspects, such as financing—which has some unfavorable terms—refinancing could be an option. We need to approach negotiations pragmatically,” Magyar remarked, noting that his administration would adopt a similar approach towards China.
Orban has led initiatives in Central Europe to attract Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities to Hungary, currently anticipating new plants from BYD and CATL to enhance the economy starting in the latter half of 2025.
Magyar expressed that while foreign direct investment is crucial for economic growth, relying on Chinese and South Korean battery manufacturers could be a misstep.
“A nation can truly be sovereign and independent only if it possesses a robust economy… one that is not dependent on Chinese loans or Russian influence or ‘assistance,’ but is capable of standing on its own.”