Highlights: Hungary: from the ruling Fidesz, Péter Magyar challenges Viktor Orban. This Friday, March 15, was a public holiday for Hungarians, who commemorated their 1848 revolution against the Habsburg monarchy. In his speech, the Prime Minister once again criticized the EU, while his country is due to take over the presidency of the Union on July 1. He declared himself ready to march on Brussels to defend the sovereignty of his country. The 43-year-old technocrat defines himself as a right-wing conservative. “I can no longer stand seeing our leaders pillage and destroy the country,” he said.

This Friday, March 15, was a public holiday for Hungarians, who commemorated their 1848 revolution against the Habsburg monarchy. In his speech, the Prime Minister once again criticized…

Hungary: from the ruling Fidesz, Péter Magyar challenges Viktor Orban

This Friday, March 15, was a public holiday for Hungarians, who commemorated their 1848 revolution against the Habsburg monarchy.

In his speech, the Prime Minister once again criticized the EU, while his country is due to take over the presidency of the Union on July 1.

He declared himself ready to march on Brussels to defend the sovereignty of his country.

This sovereignist speech contrasted with that of Péter Magyar, a newcomer to politics.

Coming from Viktor Orban's camp, he openly challenges the current power.

Hungarian politician Péter Magyar, after his speech during a demonstration in the center of Budapest, this Friday March 15, 2024. AFP - FERENC ISZA

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Budapest,

Florence La Bruyère

Viktor Orban had not originally planned a speech in Budapest.

He had to go to the provinces.

But he changed his mind.

So as not to leave all the space to his new rival.

Péter Magyar is a senior civil servant and member of Fidesz, Mr. Orban's party.

He also organized a rally which attracted several thousand Budapesters.

He announced the creation of a new political movement.

For the first time, the Prime Minister is confronted with a rival who comes from his own camp.

Péter Magyar, this 43-year-old technocrat, defines himself as a right-wing conservative.

“

But I can no longer stand

seeing our leaders pillage and destroy the country,”

he said .

Among the points of his program: the reestablishment of the Ministry of Education, abolished by the current government, the return to independence of the audiovisual sector and Hungary's membership in the European Public Prosecutor's Office responsible for controlling the use of funds Europeans.

Péter Magyar has won over the people of Budapest.

Most were left-wing voters.

This new party would a priori be more embarrassing for the opposition than for Viktor Orban.

But some hope that Péter Magyar will also attract right-wing voters disappointed by the government.

Read alsoHungary: Viktor Orban addresses the nation in the midst of a political crisis

Hungary: from the ruling Fidesz, Péter Magyar challenges Viktor Orban

Hungary: from the ruling Fidesz, Péter Magyar challenges Viktor Orban

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