Hungarians vote in landmark election closely watched by EU, Russia, US

Hungarians vote on Sunday in an election that could end Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year hold on power, with the outcome being closely watched in Europe, Russia and the United States.

Orban, in power since 2010, faces rising voter discontent after years of economic stagnation and high living costs, while opinion polls indicate a strong challenge from the opposition.

Recent surveys show Orban's ruling Fidesz party trailing the upstart centre-right Tisza party led by Peter Magyar by 7–9 percentage points, with Tisza polling between 38% and 41%.

Voting for the 199-seat parliament begins at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and is due to close at 7 p.m.

Orban, 62, a eurosceptic nationalist, has promoted what he calls an "illiberal democracy", a model that has drawn attention from right-wing movements in Europe and allies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The election is being closely monitored in Brussels, where European Union officials have criticised Orban over what they describe as a weakening of democratic institutions, media freedom and minority rights. Orban maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For neighbouring Ukraine, the result could have significant implications. An Orban defeat may remove opposition to a 90-billion-euro ($105 billion) European Union loan seen as crucial to Kyiv's war effort.

Orban has framed the vote as a choice between "war and peace", warning during the campaign that Magyar would draw Hungary into the conflict in Ukraine, an आरोप Magyar has denied.

"I am looking forward to Sunday's election with the best hope," Orban told supporters in his birthplace Szekesfehervar.

"If we know ourselves well, if we know our country well and if we know our own people well, then I must say Hungarians will vote for safety on Sunday," he added.

Public discontent challenges Orban

Orban has received endorsements from the Trump administration, including a recent visit to Budapest by Vice President JD Vance, as well as backing from Moscow and far-right leaders in Europe.

However, his campaign has been unsettled by media reports alleging government links to Moscow, which he denies.

Magyar, 45, a former Orban ally, has drawn support by focusing on alleged corruption and declining living standards, particularly among younger voters.

"I am very excited but also very scared," said Kriszta Tokes, a 24-year-old vendor in Budapest. "I know that my future depends on this," she said, adding that she plans to leave Hungary if Orban wins.

While acknowledging government measures such as fiscal handouts, she said younger people were struggling more than officials recognised.

To address low support among under-30s, Orban has introduced policies including income tax exemptions for young workers and subsidised mortgages for first-time buyers, amid sharp rises in house prices.

Magyar, in a final campaign rally in Miskolc on Friday, said: "This will be a referendum... about our country's place and our country's future."

Uncertain outcome

Analysts say the result remains uncertain due to a large number of undecided voters, changes to the electoral map that favour Fidesz, and the role of ethnic Hungarian voters abroad, who tend to support the ruling party.

They say outcomes could range from a Tisza supermajority to a renewed Fidesz majority.

Even if Tisza wins, analysts warn that reversing Orban's legal and institutional changes could prove difficult, particularly if the new government secures only a narrow parliamentary majority.