On April 11, 2025, Magyar Péter, the leader of the Tisza Party, made headlines by responding sharply to comments made by Prime Minister Orbán Viktor during a morning radio interview. Orbán had criticized Tisza Party MEP Kollár Kinga, claiming her statements about the decline in the standard of living for Hungarians echoed the infamous Őszöd speech by former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány.
Kollár had spoken at a meeting of the EU Budgetary Control Committee, asserting that the worsening living conditions of Hungarians were beneficial for the opposition and that withholding EU funds was an effective strategy. In his response, Orbán labeled these statements as shameful, asserting, "Anyone who is capable of anything for power and money should never be trusted." This remark, however, was met with fierce criticism from Magyar, who accused Orbán of self-betrayal.
Magyar argued that Orbán, whom he referred to as the "most corrupt and richest prime minister in Hungarian history," is willing to do anything to maintain his grip on power and wealth. He said, "Orbán is now capable of anything in order to keep the stolen loot and power," suggesting that the Prime Minister's actions have led to widespread distrust among the Hungarian populace.
In a scathing critique, Magyar accused Orbán of stealing everything that can be moved, including castles, railway stations, and even the National Bank. He pointed out that a massive Chinese loan had to be secured because Hungary was not receiving its rightful EU funds due to what he termed "industrial-scale corruption" under Orbán's leadership.
Magyar warned that if the current regime is not stopped, the Hungarian National Bank's gold reserves could be at risk, and the savings of ordinary citizens could be depleted, similar to what happened with private pension funds. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "If we do not stop Orbán, he will steal the gold reserves of the National Bank and deplete the bank deposits of the Hungarian people, as he did with private pension savings."
In a historical context, Magyar reminded listeners that in 2006, Orbán himself called for the withholding of EU funds due to Hungary in the European Parliament. He criticized the Prime Minister for now attempting to blame the Tisza Party for the lack of EU funds, despite the fact that Brussels had frozen these funds three years ago due to Orbán's corruption.
Magyar pledged that if the Tisza Party wins the upcoming elections, Hungary would immediately join the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and investigations into the wealth of politicians and their families would commence. He expressed confidence in his party's growing popularity, citing a recent survey by the 21 Research Center, which indicated that Tisza now has several hundred thousand more voters than Orbán's Fidesz party.
Meanwhile, Mráz Ágoston Sámuel, the leader of the Nézőpont Institute, weighed in on the political climate, stating that the next few days would be crucial for Hungarian society as it reacts to the recent statements made by Kollár. He recalled the political turmoil following Gyurcsány's Őszöd speech in 2006, which led to significant electoral losses for the ruling party.
Mráz pointed out that the Tisza Party seems to align itself with Brussels and the European People's Party, suggesting that their statements reflect long-held beliefs that are now coming to light. He emphasized the importance of determining whether the Hungarian people want to live in a country where such a party can hold power.
In a related development, Lázár János, the Minister of Construction and Transport, took to social media to denounce Magyar, claiming he betrayed Hungary in Brussels and attacked the nation. Lázár stated, "Magyar first betrayed his children, then his friends, Fidesz, and finally Orbán Viktor," asserting that Magyar is not a representative of the Hungarian people but rather a man of Brussels.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Magyar's criticisms of Orbán resonate with many who feel disillusioned by the current administration. He pointed to the Prime Minister's long tenure, which he claims has resulted in the destruction of healthcare, a decline in education, and neglect of rural areas, leading to a demographic and economic crisis.
Magyar's comments reflect a broader sentiment among those who believe that change is necessary in Hungary. As public opinion polls show Tisza's rising popularity, the stakes are high for both the Tisza Party and the ruling Fidesz party as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, the political tensions between the Tisza Party and Orbán's government are reaching a boiling point, with accusations of betrayal, corruption, and a struggle for power dominating the discourse. As Hungary approaches a critical election, the outcome remains uncertain, but the voices of discontent are growing louder.
