Hungary election that could spell end of Orbán set for April 12
POLITICO - Tuesday, January 13, 2026Hungary will hold its parliamentary election on April 12, the country’s president Tamás Sulyok announced Tuesday.
“Voting will take place on Sunday, 12 April 2026. One of the cornerstones of democracy is the right to free elections. I encourage everyone to exercise this right,” Sulyok said in a post on Facebook.
The spring election poses a serious threat to populist-nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s two-decade grip on power during which he has been criticized for backsliding on democracy and rule of law.
POLITICO’s Poll of Polls shows Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, leading with 49 percent support, ahead of Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party at 37 percent.
Magyar is making a strong push in the election by campaigning on pledges to strengthen judicial independence, combat corruption and give voters a clear alternative to Fidesz.
Orbán is a key disruptor in the EU, frequently clashing with Brussels and other European capitals on support for Ukraine, LGBTQ+ rights and Russia sanctions.