Hungary's Orbán and Magyar Hold Rival Rallies Ahead of 2026 Election

On October 23, 2025, Hungary's national holiday commemorating the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and opposition leader Péter Magyar held concurrent rallies in Budapest, each drawing tens of thousands of supporters.

Orbán's "peace march" began on a bridge over the Danube River, proceeding toward the neo-Gothic parliament building. Participants carried banners with messages such as "We don't want to die for Ukraine," reflecting Orbán's stance against Western support for Ukraine. In his address, Orbán criticized the European Union's involvement in the Ukraine conflict, stating that Ukraine "has long ceased to be sovereign and independent and is absolutely not self-sufficient."

Simultaneously, Péter Magyar, leader of the center-right Tisza party and a former insider within Orbán's Fidesz party, led an anti-government demonstration in Budapest's central square. Supporters chanted slogans like "Russians go home," echoing sentiments from the 1956 rebellion and expressing concerns over Hungary's close ties with Moscow. Magyar accused Orbán of misusing public funds and fostering division among Hungarians. He emphasized the need for unity, urging his followers to reach out to political opponents after the upcoming election.

These rival rallies underscore the deep political divisions in Hungary as the nation approaches its most competitive election in 15 years. Orbán's Fidesz party faces a significant challenge from Magyar's Tisza party, which has gained momentum by addressing issues such as persistent inflation, healthcare concerns, and allegations of government corruption.