Sigma Live

Hungary: Opposition Party Surges Ahead of Orbán's Fidesz

Published January 14, 2026, 17:11
Hungary: Opposition Party Surges Ahead of Orbán's Fidesz

Two recent polls in Hungary indicate a significant increase in the popularity of the Tisza party, which now leads Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz ahead of the April parliamentary elections. Tisza, a center-right party founded in 2024, now commands the support of 51% of determined voters, while support for Fidesz has fallen to 39%. The Median poll shows a 12-percentage-point lead for Tisza, up from 10% in November. Péter Magyar's party appears to be attracting voters from other opposition parties, while Fidesz struggles to attract new voters despite economic benefits and attempts to exploit fears about the war in Ukraine. A second poll by the Idea Institute confirms the trend, with Tisza receiving 48% of the vote from determined voters and maintaining a 10% lead over Fidesz. This marks a significant challenge for Orbán, who has been in power since 2010 and is seeking to secure a new term. The election outcome is expected to have significant implications not only for Hungary but also for Europe and its far-right political forces. The rise of Tisza suggests a shift in the country's political landscape and growing dissatisfaction with Orbán's government, which is facing difficulties after three years of economic stagnation. The far-right Mi Hazank party appears to be the only other party with a chance of exceeding the 5% threshold to enter parliament.