Orbán Delays Fidesz PM Candidate Announcement Amidst Shifting Political Landscape

Fidesz Congress Concludes with Delayed Announcement

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Saturday, January 10, 2026, that the ruling Fidesz party would officially name its prime ministerial candidate by February 20. The statement was made during a party congress in Budapest, where 106 individual parliamentary candidates for the upcoming 2026 elections were presented. Despite the delay in the formal announcement, Orbán affirmed his readiness to lead the government for another term, stating there was 'no question of his candidacy'.

Falling Ratings and Rising Opposition Challenge Fidesz

The postponement of the prime ministerial candidate's official confirmation occurs amidst a challenging political climate for Fidesz. Recent opinion polls have indicated a notable decline in the party's ratings, with some surveys suggesting that Fidesz is trailing the opposition for the first time in 15 years. This shift in public sentiment is largely attributed to the emergence of the Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider and ex-husband of former Justice Minister Judit Varga.

The Tisza party has gained significant traction, with independent polls showing it surpassing Fidesz in popularity. Voter dissatisfaction stemming from issues such as

• corruption
• economic stagnation
• the cost of living crisis

Orbán Outlines Campaign Themes for 2026 Elections

During the congress, Prime Minister Orbán outlined the core themes for Fidesz's 2026 election campaign. He emphasized national security, migration, and what he termed 'gender threats', framing the upcoming vote as a 'choice of fate' for Hungary. Orbán also criticized the opposition Tisza party for allegedly aligning with 'Brussels' expectations' and dismissed the possibility of a prime ministerial debate with Péter Magyar.

The parliamentary elections are anticipated to take place in April 2026, with April 12 being a widely discussed date. While government-aligned pollsters continue to report Fidesz maintaining a lead, independent analyses acknowledge a narrowing gap between the ruling party and the ascendant Tisza party, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the political landscape.