Hungarian Elections: Orban Faces Opposition with 9% Poll Deficit

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Hungarians voted on April 12, 2026, in a parliamentary election potentially ending Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. Polling indicates Orban's Fidesz party is trailing Peter Magyar's Tisza party by 7-9 percentage points, with Tisza receiving 38-41% of support. This election is significant as a Tisza win could unlock a €90 billion ($105 billion) EU loan for Ukraine, shifting Hungary's geopolitical alliances. The voting process commenced at 6 a.m. local time and is expected to generate record turnout, highlighting public dissatisfaction with Orban's government.