Hungary's election Sunday could end Orban's 16-year grip on power

Hungarians vote April 12 in a pivotal parliamentary election where opposition leader Peter Magyar's center-right Tisza party is leading polls against Viktor Orban's Fidesz party for the first time in 16 years. The election reflects a deeply polarized nation split over Hungary's orientation toward Europe versus Russia. Orban's government has faced EU criticism over democratic backsliding and alignment with Moscow, making this vote significant for EU cohesion and NATO's eastern flank. The outcome will determine whether Hungary continues its current geopolitical path or shifts toward stronger Western alignment.