Thousands of Opponents of Hungarian Prime Minister Gather in Response to 'Tisa' Party Call

Amid the European Parliament elections that have worried supporters of Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister, thousands of opponents of this veteran politician gathered in Budapest on Saturday, June 8, demanding a change of power. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the opposition rally took place in 'Heroes' Square' in the Hungarian capital at the call of the 'Tisa' party led by Peter Magyar. Although polls estimate the lesser popularity of this newcomer politician compared to the Prime Minister, his actions and the emergence of his party (named after one of Hungary's major rivers) seem to have given liberal voters in the country renewed hope. Mr. Magyar stated at the rally, 'We have defeated indifference' and are striving to build a country where Hungary is at the forefront of affairs, 'neither left nor right.' Mr. Orban, who has led Hungary for 14 years, one of the 27 EU member states and a NATO member, has shaped relationships with far-right parties globally, maintains special relations with Russia and China, and considers the leadership of the European Union in Brussels and the United States as his enemies. Orban's government is also facing accusations of administrative corruption and corruption involving his close associates, which he and his government deny. Peter Magyar, who recently expanded his anti-Orban activities by forming a party named 'Tisa' shortly before the European Parliament elections, was previously considered a close figure to the Prime Minister but has accused the Orban government of widespread corruption in recent months and emphasizes the necessity of exposing corruption to uproot the current government. Reports indicate that Mr. Magyar is apparently utilizing information from his ex-wife, Judith Varga, the Minister of Justice in Orban's government, and has shared this information with the prosecutor's office. Since four months ago, more protests supporting the accusations raised by Mr. Magyar have been held in Budapest. Orban's government has labeled Peter Magyar as an opportunist, and the ruling Fidesz party claims that Magyar has suddenly entered the campaign at the behest of Hungary's opponents in the West to undermine the national authority of the country. According to The Guardian, the local elections in Hungary and the representatives sent to the European Parliament in Strasbourg have turned this event into a practical referendum on the position of Mr. Orban or his opposition parties in Hungary. The rally against the Prime Minister occurred a week after thousands of people in the country marched in support of Viktor Orban. Supporters of Mr. Orban on June 1 expressed concern about the danger of the war in Ukraine spreading to other countries with the slogans 'No to War,' aligning with Orban's positions. During the current European elections, Mr. Orban has focused on the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine to promote his preferred candidates. Critics of Mr. Orban argue that he seeks to maintain a situation where Russia continues to control parts of the four eastern provinces of Ukraine that have been seized.