Can Viktor Orbán be defeated? 

François Valentin and Jorge González-Gallarza | 11th February 2022 | Brussels, International
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - OCTOBER 23: Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister delivers his speech during a peace march on October 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. The new Hungarian opposition leader Peter Marki-Zay, the surprise winner of the primaries, intends to shake up the political scene to overthrow Hungary's President Viktor Orban of the Fidesz party in April 2022 during presidential elections. (Photo by Janos Kummer/Getty Images)
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - OCTOBER 23: Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister delivers his speech during a peace march on October 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. The new Hungarian opposition leader Peter Marki-Zay, the surprise winner of the primaries, intends to shake up the political scene to overthrow Hungary's President Viktor Orban of the Fidesz party in April 2022 during presidential elections. (Photo by Janos Kummer/Getty Images)

Hungary’s opposition seems united around little more than its dislike of the PM and his Fidesz party. Will that be enough to beat him in April's elections? 

When exactly are electoral observation missions warranted in a democracy? Hungarians are heading to the polls on 3 April to elect a new parliament and a substantial share of the opposition to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán seems to fear that the election will be neither free nor fair. Late last month, a coalition of MEPs from 19 different countries and five different political groups officially requested a team of election monitors from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The multilateral body quickly acquiesced. Their call for applications, should you fancy enlisting in their mission to monitor fraud and ensure equal access to balloting, is open until until the end of today (11 February). Despite agreeing on little else, Dalibor Roháč and Boris Kálnoky both seemed confident that these legislative elections actually will be held in 'acceptably' fair terms. Ultimately, by throwing the election results into doubt, the opposition is making a larger point about th...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



EU backs 13 overseas projects to secure critical raw materials

Mace | June 5, 2025

The European Commission has approved 13 new strategic projects outside the EU to secure critical raw materials vital for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence. Spanning countries from

Bulgaria cleared to join Eurozone in 2026

Mace | June 5, 2025

The European Commission and ECB have approved Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone, with the country set to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026. Final approval from EU

OECD Cuts Global Growth Forecast as Trade Tensions Rise

Mace | June 3, 2025

The OECD has lowered its global GDP forecast to 2.9% for both 2025 and 2026, citing U.S. tariffs and weakening investment. Growth estimates for the U.S., UK, and

South Korea cuts rates as election turmoil escalates

Mace | May 29, 2025

The Bank of Korea has reduced its key interest rate to 2.5% amid slowing growth and global trade pressures. The move comes days before a contentious presidential election,

Musk drops out of Trumpworld as fiscal tensions boil over

Mace | May 29, 2025

Elon Musk has stepped down from his advisory role in the Trump administration after criticising a major tax and spending bill. His departure ends a 130-day tenure focused

Poland faces fiscal strain amid deep political divisions

Mace | May 28, 2025

Poland’s public deficit hit 6.6% of GDP in 2024, driven by defence and social spending. Rising debt, polarised politics, and stalled reforms have raised concerns among ratings agencies

Trump mulls new sanctions after Russia launches massive Ukraine strike

Mace | May 27, 2025

President Donald Trump is weighing fresh sanctions on Russia following its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began. The strikes killed 12 civilians and derailed peace

Tariffs Threaten Spanish Hat Exports to US Orthodox Market

Mace | May 27, 2025

Spanish hatmaker Fernández y Roche faces a 10 per cent US import tariff, jeopardising its 40-year trade with Orthodox Jewish communities. With a 50 per cent duty possible

Nicușor Dan Sworn in as Romania’s President After Political Turmoil

Mace | May 26, 2025

Nicușor Dan has been inaugurated as Romania’s new president, ending months of political instability. Elected on a pro-European platform, he now faces urgent economic challenges and a fragmented

Trump threatens trade war with 50% EU tariff and smart phone levy

Mace | May 24, 2025

Donald Trump has threatened a 50% tariff on all EU imports and a 25% levy on non-US-manufactured iPhones, triggering sharp market losses and EU warnings of retaliation. Apple