Viktor Orban, Hungary’s long-time leader, divides the nation sharply. Supporters hail him as a guardian of traditional Hungarian values, while critics denounce him as anti-LGBTQI+, anti-migrant, authoritarian, and corrupt. Recent polls indicate that Peter Magyar, the centre-right Tisza party leader, gains ground and could unseat Orban in this crucial vote.
Expat Volunteers for Change
Melbourne resident Ildi Amon has journeyed to Hungary to support the Tisza campaign. Having lived under Orban’s rule for nine years, she speaks from experience about local salaries and healthcare challenges.
“I know exactly what it’s like to earn a Hungarian salary and use the healthcare system here,” Amon said. She warns that an Orban victory could trigger a wave of emigration, calling it a tragedy for Hungary. “I hope Tisza’s win brings many people home. There’s so much work to rebuild this country.”
Lawyer and Athlete Fears Election Fraud
Iren, a mother of three and lawyer who took up fencing at age 52, competes fiercely at the national veterans’ championships. She campaigns for Tisza, describing the last 16 years as tragic due to her expertise in totalitarian systems and the erosion of the rule of law.
Like many Tisza backers, she worries Orban might refuse to concede a narrow loss. “They will try every method, but leading military and police officers have joined Tisza. If fraud occurs or results are overturned, military or police intervention to ensure power transfer is possible,” she stated.
Traditionalist Backs Fidesz Amid War Concerns
In Budapest, Edda Budahazy runs a shop stocked with authentic Hungarian archery arrows, axes, and ceremonial horns—relics of mounted warriors from centuries past. A staunch traditionalist in the liberal capital, she supports Orban’s Fidesz party.
“Conservative values remain strong in Hungary. The family forms society’s foundation, with male-female relationships and national thinking especially prevalent in rural areas,” Budahazy asserted. Orban’s ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin factor into her vote. She cautions that a Fidesz defeat would expose Hungary to EU pressures drawing it into the Ukraine conflict. “The EU funds the war with money and weapons without seeking peace—a major threat.”
LGBTQI+ Community Grapples with Policies and Choices
Orban’s administration has imposed strict measures on LGBTQI+ citizens, including attempts to ban pride marches, prohibiting gay adoptions, ending transgender gender recognition, and outlawing the portrayal or promotion of homosexuality.
Lili Somogyi highlights the “family-friendly Hungary” campaign’s deep impact. “I’d overhear street conversations about queer or trans people passing by: ‘That’s strange; I thought it was illegal now,'” she recounted. “It reveals how society internalizes these messages.”
Somogyi and friend Lena Hoschek remain undecided but recognize Tisza offers the best shot at ousting Orban. Magyar, a conservative, rarely addresses gay rights. “As a trans person, it’s disappointing but expected,” Hoschek said. “It’s a smart tactic to avoid alienating right-wing voters and secure power, even if it’s regrettable.”
