How Orban Went From Invincible to Underdog in Hungary

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has spent the past 16 years perfecting what he calls an “illiberal laboratory” in the European Union member state, holding it up as an election-proof model for nationalist allies such as US President Donald Trump.

But Orban’s grip on power is facing its most serious challenge yet as his right-wing Fidesz party trails the opposition by double digits ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for April 12. The threat is coming from the conservative Tisza party — founded by former Fidesz insider Peter Magyar in 2024 — which has struck a chord with Hungarians frustrated by a stagnating economy, a cost-of-living crisis and corruption.