Issued on: 12/04/2026 - 14:03Modified: 12/04/2026 - 14:04

Hungarians began voting on Sunday in closely watched parliamentary elections that could end nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year stint in power as a self-described "thorn" in the EU's side. Orban, 62, who is seeking a fifth straight term, has transformed his country into a model of illiberal democracy, following Trump in casting migration and "woke" values as a "civilisational" threat. Former government insider Magyar, 45, burst onto the scene just two years ago, amassing support against the backdrop of economic stagnation, despite an electoral system skewed in favour of Orban's Fidesz party. Senior Reporter at 24.hu, Zsolt Kerner, shares his insights on this pivotal election and how the Hungarian electoral system works.

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