Young Hungarians campaign to end Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A generational divide is emerging in Hungary ahead of the April 12 elections, with youth overwhelmingly supporting Péter Magyar's center-right Tisza party, aiming to end Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule.
- Orbán's Fidesz party, once seen as youthful and democratic, is criticized by younger voters for authoritarian tendencies, corruption, and economic stagnation, while older voters remain loyal due to social benefits like pensions and family support policies.
- The Tisza party, founded by Magyar after breaking with Fidesz over a 2024 political scandal, has rapidly gained support among young voters, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with Orbán's "illiberal" governance and Hungary's drift toward Russia and China.
- A 2024 scandal involving a presidential pardon in a child sexual abuse case sparked protests and increased youth political engagement, boosting Tisza's profile and leading to a 30% vote share in recent European Parliament elections.
- Despite Tisza's lead in polls among younger demographics and urban areas, Orbán retains strong support among older and rural voters, making the election outcome uncertain.
