Polls open in crucial Hungarian election
Polling stations have opened across Hungary in what is widely seen as one of Europe’s most consequential elections this year, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban confronting his strongest challenge since returning to power in 2010.
The vote could determine not only who governs Hungary next, but also how far Budapest continues to resist Brussels on issues ranging from Ukraine and sanctions to migration and rule-of-law disputes.
Orban and his ruling Fidesz alliance are being challenged by Peter Magyar and his insurgent Tisza party, which has surged in the polls after campaigning on corruption, public services and restoring ties with the European Union. Independent polling summarized by AP suggests Tisza entered election day with momentum, though the race is still expected to be tight because of Fidesz’s entrenched rural support and the advantages Orban enjoys from incumbency and Hungary’s electoral system.
The stakes extend well beyond Hungary. Orban has spent years frustrating EU partners with his stance on Russia, sanctions and military support for Ukraine, making this election a closely watched test for Brussels as well as for Orban’s allies on the international right.
The election is taking place on a single day for all 199 seats in Hungary’s National Assembly, with results expected to start coming in after polls close at 7pm.
Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates.
12 April 2026
04:42 GMTHungary’s election campaign has also been overshadowed by an escalating wiretapping scandal involving Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The controversy centers on claims that opposition-linked journalist Szabolcs Panyi helped foreign intelligence services obtain information about Szijjarto’s contacts with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, before details were passed to Western outlets.
The affair has intensified accusations of outside interference in the election and raised the stakes in the battle between Viktor Orban and his opponents.
- 04:31 GMT
Donald Trump Jr. has expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after polls opened in the country’s parliamentary election.
“To our friends in Hungary, we hope you will vote for independent thinking and for someone who stands for Hungary First,” he wrote on X.
To our friends in Hungary, we hope you will vote for independent thinking and for someone who stands for Hungary First. We hope you will vote for my father’s friend and ally. One leader in Europe has a direct line to the White House, I hope you will support Viktor Orban! #Hungarypic.twitter.com/UNRn2YhvDd
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) April 12, 2026 - 04:18 GMT
Czech leader Andrej Babis and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of the country’s parliamentary election.
In a post on X, Babis said Orban “has always fought for a stronger Europe, one built on peace, sovereign nations, sovereign member states and competitiveness.”
“In turbulent times, choosing stability and proven leadership matters more than ever,” he added.
Fico also praised Orban’s leadership, saying: “I have never met such a fighter for the sovereignty and national interests of his country.”
Supporting @PM_ViktorOrban this Sunday🇭🇺He has always fought for a stronger Europe, one built on peace, sovereign nations, sovereign member states, competitiveness. He always protected Hungarian citizens and Hungarian national interests. In turbulent times, choosing stability…
— Andrej Babiš (@AndrejBabis) April 11, 2026 - 04:01 GMT
Polling stations have opened across Hungary in a closely watched national election that could determine the future of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule. Voting began at 6am local time and is due to close at 7pm, with results expected later on Sunday.
The election has become a proxy battle between rival power centers in the West, with Orban backed by Donald Trump’s camp and Peter Magyar’s Tisza party seen as favored by many in Brussels.
The vote is about more than domestic politics: it is also a fight over EU pressure, Ukraine funding, Russian energy, and national sovereignty. Orban’s resistance to Brussels on sanctions, migration and Kiev has turned Hungary into a test case for Europe’s future direction – and made Sunday’s ballot one of the year’s most consequential political contests.
