Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the new Tisza government while recent polling shows shifts in party support.
Key facts
- •Viktor Orbán attended the Bálványos Summer University as an opposition politician for the first time in 16 years.
- •A Medián poll shows 68 percent of decided voters would cast ballots for the Tisza Party, down from 73 percent in June.
- •Support for Fidesz among decided voters increased to 23 percent in the July poll, up from 21 percent in June.
- •The Hungarian government is establishing a National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection.
- •Prime Minister Péter Magyar proposed Judit Polgár as a candidate for president of the republic, but she declined the offer.
Viktor Orbán attended the Bálványos Summer University last Saturday, marking his first appearance there as an opposition politician in 16 years. During his speech, Orbán accused the new Tisza government of dismantling democracy and the rule of law. Meanwhile, the Hungarian government is moving to establish a National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection, amid ongoing political shifts following the recent election.
By the numbers
Orbán's critique of the Tisza government
In his address, Orbán characterized the current administration as aggressive and violent, claiming it pursues a politics of revenge. He argued that freedom in Hungary is under threat and suggested that the country faces the prospect of being plundered. Orbán also predicted that economic difficulties would turn voters against the government by this autumn, while warning against the potential introduction of the euro.
Polling data and political support
A Medián poll conducted between July 22 and 24 indicates that support for the Tisza Party has seen a slight decline since June, though it remains high among decided voters. Among those certain to vote, 68 percent support Tisza, while 23 percent favor Fidesz and 7 percent support Mi Hazánk. Compared to June, Fidesz saw a small increase in support within the margin of error, while Tisza's support among decided voters dropped from 73 percent.
Recent political developments
The polling period followed the conclusion of Tamás Sulyok’s term as president. Following this, Prime Minister Péter Magyar initiated consultations regarding the selection of a new head of state and proposed Judit Polgár for the position, though she declined the invitation. Additionally, the government is moving forward with the creation of the National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by EUobserver.
