Viktor Orbán Courts Romanian Voters as Hungary Election Tightens
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is campaigning for votes from ethnic Hungarians living in Romania as next week's election threatens to end his 16-year rule. Polls show center-right candidate Péter Mayga poses the most serious challenge yet to Orbán's power.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is looking beyond Hungary's borders for votes as polls show his grip on power weakening ahead of next week's general election.
Órbán is actively courting ethnic Hungarian voters living in neighboring Romania, particularly in the Transylvania region. These voters can mail in ballots to Hungary even though they don't live there.
The strategy isn't new for Orbán. In 2014, he offered citizenship and voting rights to an estimated 2 million ethnic Hungarians living in neighboring countries like Romania and Serbia. Hungarian citizens living abroad can vote by mail, while those living in Hungary must vote in person.
Polls indicate center-right challenger Péter Mayga presents the strongest threat to Orbán's leadership in 16 years. The election is being watched closely across Europe, where Orbán has been a divisive figure due to his hardline stance on immigration and frequent clashes with EU institutions.
Orbán's Fidesz party has been encouraging Hungarian citizens in surrounding countries to register to vote as the race tightens.
This election could reshape one of Europe's most controversial governments. Orbán has clashed with EU leaders over immigration and democratic freedoms, affecting everything from European unity to Ukraine aid policies.
Hungary's general election takes place next week, with results expected to reshape the country's political direction.
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