Peter Magyar: The man who could end Orban's rule | DW News

Key Concepts

• Peter Majar: A former Fides insider turned opposition leader in Hungary.
• Fides: The ruling party in Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán.
• Tissa (Freedom and Respect Party): Majar's newly formed political party.
• Corruption: A central theme in Majar's critique of the Fides government.
• Cost of Living/Bread and Butter Issues: Majar's focus on economic concerns for ordinary Hungarians.
• Pro-European Candidate: Majar's stance on Hungary's relationship with the European Union.
• Electoral Map Redrawing: Fides' strategy to maintain power by manipulating electoral districts.
• Control of Public Institutions and Media: Fides' methods for consolidating power.

Peter Majar: A New Challenger to Viktor Orbán

For over 15 years, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has maintained a firm grip on power, facing minimal significant opposition. However, Peter Majar and his party, Tissa, present a potential challenge in the upcoming April 2026 parliamentary elections.

Majar's Background and Rise to Prominence

Peter Majar, a lawyer by profession, was once a member of the inner circle of Orbán's Fides party. He was formerly married to Judit Varga, Orbán's ex-Minister of Justice. Majar maintained a low public profile until February 2024, when he publicly accused Fides of concentrating wealth and power within a select few. This was followed by a significant revelation: a voice recording allegedly from his ex-wife, exposing government corruption. Majar capitalized on the ensuing public outcry to launch his political career.

Tissa's Success in the European Elections

In the June 2024 European elections, Majar's new party, Tissa, achieved a remarkable second place, securing nearly 30% of the votes. This success has positioned Majar as Orbán's primary rival, effectively marginalizing other opposition parties.

Factors Contributing to Majar's Appeal

Majar's resonance with the electorate stems from his insider status within Fides, which lends credibility to his accusations. Unlike previous opposition efforts that struggled with a unified and determined leader, Majar has strived to present himself as a candidate for all Hungarians. He describes Tissa as a "movement of the vast majority of the Hungarian people against corruption, lies, propaganda, autocracy," emphasizing that the party is "much more than me."

Campaign Focus and Policy Proposals

Majar has engaged in extensive grassroots campaigning, prioritizing "bread and butter issues." His proposals are largely centered on reducing the cost of living and supporting those disadvantaged by the Orbán regime, with a particular focus on rural areas. High inflation and rising food prices have created economic hardship for many Hungarians, while corruption is perceived as enriching those close to the government. Majar cites this corruption as a primary reason for his departure from Fides. He also positions himself as a pro-European candidate, promising to unblock billions of euros in EU funding that have been withheld due to rule of law concerns.

Challenges and Prospects Against Orbán

Polls suggest that Majar's message is gaining traction among Hungarians. However, winning an election against Orbán in Hungary is described as an "uphill battle." The ruling Fides party, holding a two-thirds supermajority, has strategically redrawn electoral districts, appointed loyalists to key public institutions, and gained control over a significant portion of the media. This media control is being used to target Majar. While this has not yet significantly harmed him, it poses a considerable risk to other Tissa candidates, many of whom are not yet widely known. As one observer noted, "Fides will be able to distribute their attacks and try and find out the backgrounds of all of these people and these will be a lot of new names."

Conclusion

Peter Majar and his Tissa party have achieved a significant feat by creating serious pressure on Viktor Orbán, something that seemed improbable for years. However, with the campaign just beginning, the party must prepare for a turbulent period as they face the established power and tactics of the Fides government.