From the governing party to the main opposition leader

2024 witnessed a significant political shift in Hungary as Péter Magyar, a former government insider (ex husband to former Minister of Justice, Judit Varga), led the newly formed TISZA party to remarkable success. In just a few months, Magyar’s efforts culminated in the party securing 30% of the EU parliamentary votes, establishing it as a major force in the opposition, eventually going face to face with the long ruling Viktor Orbán's government in the polls. Magyar held his first rally on 15th March, and in just three months of intensive campaigning – while more and more Hungarians expressed their confidence in him – he scored a huge victory in the 9th June elections, which he has since capitalised on to become the most important man in the potential change of government.

A man watches the EU election candidates debate from a screen in front of the Várkert Bazár in Budapest.

The second day of Peter Magyar's campaign tour in Szarvas, Békés county. The flatbed truck from which he is giving a speech in the picture has become a symbol of his nationwide tour.

The second day of Peter Magyar's campaign tour in Sarkad, Békés county. He systematically targeted the rural, countryside areas, to build a follower base on top of the urban voters.

Magyar came into public attention after President Katalin Novák resigned in February – due to a scandal involving a presidential pardon granted to an accomplice of a pedophile – taking Magyar's ex-wife, Justice Minister Judit Varga, with her. Following this, the man began to openly criticize Viktor Orbán's government. Since it is rare for someone from the ruling party's circles to speak out, people quickly took notice of the revealing information coming from an insider.

Protest organized by Péter Magyar for the resignation of the government and the Chief Prosecutor, held in front of the Chief Prosecutor's Office and at Vértanúk Square on March 26, 2024.

Mini Hungary Park, nationwide tour, with the Hungarian Parliament building.

Protest organized for the resignation of the government and the Chief Prosecutor, held in front of the Chief Prosecutor's Office and at Vértanúk Square on March 26, 2024.

On March 15, the national holiday, he spoke for the first time at a protest he organized himself, where thousands came to see him.

1.19 AM after the night of the EU parliamentary elections. He celebrated with his supporters till dawn.

According to public opinion polls, they are neck and neck with Viktor Orbán's party. Magyar's party has seemingly grown into one of the most significant political forces in the country. This is remarkable, as no one has come this close to challenging the ruling party's 15 years of absolute power. One thing is certain: the Hungarian people can expect an exciting contest in the 2026 parliamentary elections.