A January Publicus/Nepszava poll shows the centre-right Tisza party with 48% support versus 40% for Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz among decided voters ahead of the April 12 parliamentary election. Tisza leader Peter Magyar promises to tackle corruption, unfreeze EU funds and strengthen ties with the EU. The survey finds 63% of voters think Hungary is on the wrong track (71% of pensioners), and only the far-right Our Homeland would likely pass the 5% parliamentary threshold. A pro-government Nezopont poll shows stronger support for Orbán, especially among older and rural voters.
Tisza Holds Eight-Point Lead Over Orbán’s Fidesz in January Poll — High Stakes Ahead Of April Vote
FILE PHOTO: Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition TISZA party, delivers a speech to mark the 69th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, in Budapest, Hungary, October 23, 2025. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo/File Photo
A January poll published by Nepszava and conducted by the Publicus Institute shows Hungary's centre-right opposition, the Tisza party, holding an eight-point lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's ruling nationalist Fidesz as voters prepare for a parliamentary election scheduled for April 12.
Poll Results and Methodology
The Publicus survey, conducted between January 21–24 among decided voters, found 48% backing Tisza and 40% supporting Fidesz — figures unchanged from December. The poll also indicated that only the far-right Our Homeland (Mi Hazank) would clear the 5% threshold needed for parliamentary representation.
Tisza’s Platform
Led by former government insider Peter Magyar, Tisza has campaigned on tackling corruption, unlocking billions of euros in frozen European Union funds to stimulate the economy, and reaffirming Hungary’s ties with the EU.
Orbán’s Standing And Competing Surveys
While many independent polls show Fidesz trailing, pro-government pollsters present a different picture. A separate Nezopont Institute survey (January 26–27) reported Viktor Orbán's approval at 46% versus 35% for Peter Magyar, noting particularly strong support for Orbán among older and rural voters.
Public Mood And Key Demographics
The Publicus poll found 63% of respondents believe Hungary is on the wrong track; that figure rises to 71% among pensioners, a core constituency targeted by Orbán with measures such as a pension top-up. Hungary has faced three years of economic stagnation and the EU's steepest inflation surge following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, factors that shape voter sentiment.
Broader Implications
The April election could have significant consequences for Hungary’s future policies and for Europe’s political balance. Orbán — who has cultivated ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, maintained relatively cordial relations with Russia, and often clashed with EU institutions — faces accusations from Brussels of eroding democratic norms, which he rejects.
What To Watch Next
Polls remain snapshots in time: turnout, late shifts in voter sentiment, and the performance of both campaigns in the run-up to April 12 will determine the final outcome.
Reporting by Anita Komuves; editing by Gareth Jones.
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