Budapest, Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has cast Hungary’s April 12 election as a choice between “war or peace,” arguing his opponents would pull the country into the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Orban and his critics have also clashed over Hungary’s stance toward the European Union and support for Ukraine.
Orban’s campaign message and outreach
Orban, leader of the nationalist Fidesz party, said on Facebook this week: “We will decide our fate in April. What’s at stake is: war or peace. For peace, Fidesz is the safe choice.”
Hungarian voters have received letters from Orban urging them to fill out a “national petition” rejecting European Union financial aid to Ukraine, a message also reinforced on state television, which is under government control.
Fidesz has put up billboards nationwide showing opposition leader Peter Magyar appearing to say “yes” as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demands “Money for Ukraine!” and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asks for weapons.
Hungary’s stance on Ukraine and relations with the EU
Orban has frequently clashed with the EU over Ukraine and other issues. He has maintained cordial ties with Moscow, refused to send weapons to Ukraine, and said Ukraine can never join the EU.
Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party, which leads most opinion polls, says it wants Hungary to rejoin the European mainstream after years of strained relations under Orban that have led to crucial EU funds being blocked.
Magyar has described Orban’s campaign as laughable “propaganda,” while Tisza has taken a cautious position on Ukraine, saying it opposes any fast-track EU accession for Kyiv and would put the issue to a binding referendum if it wins power. Ukraine needs the backing of all 27 EU nations to join.
Economy and political context
Political analysts have linked Orban’s focus on the war to Hungary’s economic situation, which remains stagnant after an inflation surge triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Inflation has since subsided.
“Lacking a strong performance of the economy, Orban tries to present himself as the guarantor of stability and security, saying that if he goes, there will be chaos,” said Robert Laszlo of the Budapest think-tank Political Capital.
How will Hungary’s debate over Ukraine influence your view of the April 12 election?