The International Institute for Peace (IIP) warmly invites you to attend our upcoming public event,

Parliamentary Elections in Hungary

Date: Monday, 16. March, 2026

Time: 18:00

Venue:   IIP, Möllwaldplatz 5/7, 1040 Wien

REGISTER

PANELISTS

• PETER TECHET, Research Associate at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe

• ELISABETH HOFFBERGER-PIPPAN, Policy Advisor at Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Vienna

MODERATOR

• HANNES SWOBODA, President, International Institute for Peace (IIP)

CONTENT

Hungary heads to the polls on April 12 to elect a new parliament. For the first time in over a decade, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party face a serious challenge from an alternative candidate. According to recent polls, Péter Magyar, a former ally turned opponent of Orbán, is leading by nearly 10 percentage points.

With a month left until the election, the outcome remains uncertain. External players and geopolitics are playing a significant role. Donald Trump has endorsed Orbán, while tensions between Budapest and Brussels have escalated. The EU, already at odds with Hungary over issues like Ukraine and migration, has even threatened to revoke Hungary’s voting rights after Orbán opposed the EU’s push for Ukraine’s accelerated integration.

Still, a leadership change from Orbán to Magyar may not bring a complete reset in Hungary’s policies. While Magyar’s Tisza party is pro-European, it has aligned with Fidesz on key issues like Ukraine, agriculture, and migration—positions that likely reflect public sentiment.

The panelists will discuss the anticipated outcome of the elections and the political campaigning, while connecting these to broader trends in Europe, such as the rise of nationalism and the far-right.

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK!

The event will be held in English.

Snacks and drinks will be offered after the event!

Please note that the elevator will be out of service during the event. Access to the event space is via the stairs.

By participating in this event, you agree that any photos or recordings taken that include footage of your person may be published or used in any other way by the organizers of the event.