Hungarians began voting today in parliamentary elections that could either end Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule or keep him in power for a fifth term, in what is considered the most important electoral process since the country’s transition to democracy in 1989.

Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. local time (7:00 a.m. Greece time) and are expected to close at 7:00 p.m.

Around 7.5 million voters in the country, along with more than 500,000 registered abroad, must choose among five parties under a mixed electoral system that strongly favors Orban’s ruling party, Fidesz.

Pollsters aligned with the current prime minister predict a victory for the Fidesz–KDNP coalition. However, signs of nervousness are evident within Fidesz, which has the support of US President Donald Trump.

US Vice President J. D. Vance visited Budapest this week, praising Orbán and criticizing interference from Brussels bureaucrats. Meanwhile, Trump himself has repeatedly expressed support, pledging on Friday to use the “economic power” of the United States in support of Orban, whom he described as capable of embodying the fight against illegal immigration and the defense of Western civilization.

Orban at the helm for 16 years

Prime Minister Orban, seeking another term after 16 years in power, has—according to his critics—turned his country of 9.5 million people into an “illiberal democracy”.

According to his supporters, however, he has remained true to his campaign promises and has delivered on what he pledged. His main achievements, they argue, include successfully curbing illegal immigration and resisting woke culture.

The path he has set for Budapest has brought Hungary into conflict with the European Union. The Hungarian leader is also close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and has often criticized EU sanctions against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Although Brussels has avoided openly commenting on the elections, “most member states would be happy to be rid of Orban,” a European diplomat told AFP, adding that “patience has run out.”

His challenger: Peter Magyar

Opposing him is his former ally, 45-year-old Peter Magyar, who has managed to build an opposition movement around his center-right party, Tisza. Independent polls suggest it has a strong chance of winning the election.

After breaking with Orban in early 2024, Magyar founded Tisza and launched an intense nationwide campaign, not only in major cities but also in smaller towns and villages.

He has sought to present himself as approachable and in touch with ordinary voters, addressing concerns in a country struggling with economic stagnation.

With his promise of change, Magyar has attracted broad support across large segments of the population and has expressed confidence that he can defeat his former mentor.

However, it remains uncertain whether he would significantly alter the core of Orban’s policies if he wins.

There will be no exit polls or statistical projections on election day. However, partial results indicating trends are expected later in the evening.