Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is reportedly facing his first serious political challenge in 16 years as the country prepares for elections this Sunday. According to a report from Svenska Dagbladet, Orbán's long-standing dominance is being tested by opposition leader Péter Magyar and his party Tisza.
The 45-year-old Magyar's opposition party Tisza has been polling higher than Orbán's Fidesz party since early 2025, according to a compilation by American political publication Politico cited in the report. During the winter and spring, Tisza's lead has reportedly fluctuated between 10 and 15 percentage points in opinion polls.
many view Orbán as a 'father figure'
The report also notes that Orbán maintains strong support among Hungarians living in Sweden, though there are generational differences in opinion. According to Swedish-Hungarian associations interviewed by Svenska Dagbladet, many view Orbán as a "father figure," according to the chairman in Uppsala.
This election marks a significant moment in Hungarian politics, with Orbán potentially facing his most serious electoral challenge since he returned to power in 2010 after an eight-year hiatus from 2002 to 2010.