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Magyar's Rise
Péter Magyar emerged as the most formidable electoral challenge Orbán has faced since 2010.
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Magyar joined Fidesz in 2003 and married party colleague Judit Varga in 2006.
Varga was named Minister of Justice in 2019 but was dragged into a scandal in 2024.
Magyar left Fidesz, accusing Orbán of hiding behind women.
After a demonstration that drew 50,000 people, Magyar assembled a team for an anti-corruption movement.
Tisza won 29.6% of the vote in June, while Fidesz fell to 44.8%.
Record Turnout
Hungary's election saw a record turnout of 74% by 5 p.m.
By 3 p.m., more than 65% of voters had cast ballots, up from 52.75% in 2022.
Many voters have grown weary of Orbán after 16 years of economic stagnation.
Opinion polls suggested Fidesz was trailing Tisza by 7 to 9 percentage points.
Magyar said Hungarians would write history as they choose 'between East and West'.
Foreign Influence and Stakes
The election was closely watched in Brussels and beyond.
“Who is Viktor Orbán, Hungarian PM fighting to stay in power after 16 years”
Orbán is considered Putin's strongest partner in the EU and endorsed by Trump.
Vice President Vance visited Budapest to rally with Orbán.
Orbán's defeat could mean unblocking a 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine.
Magyar's foreign policy could be more favorable towards the EU.
Magyar's Campaign Strategy
Magyar is seen as an insider who understands the system.
He walked 250 kilometers to seek support from Hungarian minorities.
He continued stopping in at least six locales per day.
The Hungarian government accused Meta of favoring Magyar.
Magyar masters the language of algorithms and establishes personal trust.
