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48 Days to the election: Péter Magyar on democracy, campaign plans, and threats – interview
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, reveals election strategy and government plans for 2026 in an in-depth interview with Telex. Here are the key points.
Prime Minister candidate or party list leader?
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, now officially speaks as the party’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2026 elections.
Although the Hungarian constitutional system does not formally recognise the position of prime ministerial candidate, Magyar argues it is important for voters to clearly know who is standing against whom and what each side offers.
He emphasised that politics today is primarily about people, and in his view, the election is a kind of referendum on whether the system built by Fidesz will remain or whether change will take place.
Magyar believes that a prime ministerial debate would be self-evident, but Viktor Orbán has avoided it for twenty years, despite it being a necessary condition, in his view, in a democracy. In a rule-of-law state, for a party to run, its leader should be ready to debate.
Frugal campaign against billions
Regarding the election campaign, Péter Magyar highlighted that the Tisza Party does not spend billions on billboards. They did not have advertisements in 2024 either, relying instead on smart use of social media and personal engagement for a successful campaign. There will be no giant posters, because:
“We don’t want a hate campaign, but real conversations with people,” he said.
He added that they currently operate with a few hundred million forints, but in the past, they have achieved breakthroughs using similar methods.
In his view:
“One of Tisza’s foundations, its DNA, is that we meet people directly.”
Two-thirds majority – while strengthening democracy
The interview also covered the party’s aim not only to change the government but to gain a two-thirds parliamentary mandate to restore the rule-of-law system.
“We are not seeking a strong mandate to dismantle democracy, but to strengthen it.”
Their programme, detailed in 240 pages, explains exactly how and with what tools they would achieve this.
Personal attacks and political blackmail
Later, the conversation touched on the possibility that political opponents may attempt to intimidate with personal or family matters. Péter Magyar said political blackmail is not uncommon in opposition politics.
Although such materials are officially prohibited, in practice, they are often used to intimidate opposition politicians.
“I assume that attempts are being made to pressure me as well, just as others have already been blackmailed with recordings,” he said.
The politician stressed that such situations raise serious ethical and legal questions. Personal attacks are not just about violating privacy but also threaten the fairness of political competition.
According to Péter Magyar, publicity and transparency are the best protection against such blackmail. He is therefore willing to undergo various tests to prove his personal integrity, whether drug tests or other public checks.
Policy plans: environment, education, energy
Péter Magyar also outlined specific policy goals. They would establish a separate Ministry of the Environment, overseeing water management, natural resources, and animal protection.
“The climate crisis is not an ideological issue, it is a matter of survival,” he said.
In education, environmental awareness and financial literacy would become compulsory subjects, and the past would be closed by making spy files public.
In energy, the focus would be on diversification, renewable energy usage, insulation and panel programmes, as well as a 1,000 billion-forint energy grant programme. Regarding economic relations with Russia, he said:
“It’s not about completely cutting out Russian oil, but we need to be ready to ensure energy supply from multiple sources in a crisis.”
Expecting resistance, but ready for transition
In the interview, Péter Magyar also stated that the handover of power will not be smooth.
“I am not naive; I know there will be resistance.”
He expressed confidence that most civil servants aim to operate under the rule of law. According to him, the system is not synonymous with the people, and many honest professionals are still working in Hungary today.
He believes the stakes in 2026 are whether a chapter in Hungary’s history can be closed peacefully and constitutionally.
If you missed it:
“In the interview, Péter Magyar also stated that the handover of power will not be smooth. “I am not naive; I know there will be resistance.”
He must be reading different polls than I, s it sounds like he is coasting a victory which will be followed by what he regards as a constitutional crisis.
“They would establish a separate Ministry of the Environment, overseeing water management, natural resources, and animal protection.”
Great improvement, its about time in Hungary that animal, nature and environment protection is taken seriously by authorities since Fidesz is only interested in profits at the cost of deteriorating environment. Punishments for violating these need to be much more serious too.
Orban sure is a coward for not willing to have a public debate with Magyar. Oh well, on the other hand Orban knows how bad that would turn out for Fidesz so Orban prefers hiding behind selected supporting crowds.