Europe

Orban Opponent Fires Up Crowds in Ruling Party Stronghold

Peter Magyar holds rally in city that has long backed Orban
Magyar’s party surged to become most popular opposition force

A rally of 'TISZA' (Respect and Freedom) party, in Debrecen, Hungary, on May 5. — A rally of 'TISZA' (Respect and Freedom) party, in Debrecen, Hungary, on May 5.
Photographer: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

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By Andras Gergely

May 5, 2024 at 1:09 PM UTC

Updated on

May 5, 2024 at 3:08 PM UTC

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s new challenger fired up his growing crowd of supporters at a rally in a ruling party stronghold, taking aim at the enrichment of the premier’s friends and family amid a stuttering economy.

Five weeks before European Union and municipal elections, protesters filled the main square in the eastern city of Debrecen on Mother’s Day to cheer on Peter Magyar, the former regime insider who’s jumped from relative obscurity to being the nation’s most popular opposition figure.