Viktor Orbán’s power was seen by many as unshakable. At least until Magar shows up. Now is the hope for change in the political scene of the country.

A red-white-green spray-painted trailer truck stands in the central square of the town of Szombathely in northwestern Hungary. A man in his forties stands on the truck bed. He wears a shirt, jeans and sunglasses. This man with the stylish hairdo is a political star of the country: Peter Majar. Hundreds of citizens are present at his pre-election speech. And what he promises is the overthrow of Viktor Orbán.

Hopes for change in Hungarian politics

“What did Peter Magar do to convince you?” a journalist, working for an independent Hungarian news site, asks one of the elderly people present. “He didn’t need to convince me. I’ve been tired of Orbán for a long time,” replies the pensioner. “Majar convinced me that there is someone who can finally bring change here.”

There are many Hungarians who feel exactly the same as the pensioner these days. Ever since Peter Majar made his appearance on the political scene in February, the country is in turmoil. Prime Minister Orban’s right-wing nationalist ruling party, Fidesz (Federation of Young Democrats), remained first again in the June 9, 2024 European elections with around 44%. However, this is the worst election result for Fidesz in a long time. In contrast, Petar Matjar’s Tisza (Respect and Freedom) party already touched 33% of the voters from the start.

A “skyrocketing” conservative alternative from within

Since Orbán took power in Hungary in 2010, every attempt by his opponents has failed miserably. Even all together, the opposition parties did not manage to complete the majority against Fidesz. So what does Peter Majar have?the man with the sneakers, the heavy voice and the high confidence that the others don’t have?

Rumors have been circulating in Hungary for years that Orban could one day be defeated by his inner circle. And that’s exactly what Magyar is. The 43-year-old lawyer and businessman was married to former Justice Minister Judith Varga, has worked in various well-paid positions within the Orbán system and is well-acquainted with or even friends with some of Fidesz’s highest-ranking figures. From his first public appearances in February 2024, presented as a conservative alternative to Orbán – as a man who shares the values ​​of Fidesz, but is not corrupt.

It appeared virtually out of nowhere in February 2024, following the resignation of President Katalin Novak over a child abuse case. At that time, Magar’s ex-wife, until then head of the Fidesz list for the European elections, also retired from politics. The case had caused a public outcry, as the protection of minors was among the government’s priorities.

Peter Majar had initially expressed his anger that the president and his ex-wife they were pawns of the Orban system. Later, however, he announced his entry into politics. Within four months, he managed to increase his party’s popularity and initiate its entry into the European People’s Party (EPP), from which Orban’s Fidesz had left in 2021 to avoid his expulsion.

However, it remains to be seen whether Petar Majar can really establish himself in Hungarian politics after his success in the European elections. Although several observers in Hungary remain wary, he has no doubts. Its motto is: “The era of the one-man show is over! Now begins the era of reconstruction.”

Edited by: Chrysa Vachtsevanu