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US pollster reveals clear-cut verdict on Hungarian April elections
Fidesz-Christian Democrats are Hungary’s most popular political force, Levente Szikra, lead analyst of Center for Fundamental Rights, told public radio on Sunday, citing a survey by US-based McLaughlin and Associates.
The survey commissioned by Index suggested that the Fidesz-led ruling alliance would win if elections were held today, as voters overwhelmingly saw risks in a Peter Magyar-led government, he said, highlighting the “prestigious institute’s credibility” and work for Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and global conservative leaders.
“Not all polling institutes are equally reliable, but McLaughlin and Associates deserve attention,” he said.
With April’s election still months away, Szikra acknowledged a clear contest but emphasised Fidesz’s starting advantage, contrasting Fidesz’s emphasis on national interests and willingness to clash with EU leaders to secure Russian gas, while, he added, “Tisza aligns with Brussels” by implementing the migration pact among other policies.
Szikra said that, on the one hand, Tisza planned austerity in 600 pages and, on the other, showcased “unrealistic” campaign promises designed to distract from the leaked austerity measures.
He slammed left-leaning pollsters for massaging polls as self-fulfilling prophecies to boost left-wing support. He also flagged Tisza’s 2035 deadline for phasing out Russian gas, eight years beyond the EU’s 2027 target, as inconsistent.
Most Hungarian pollsters tell another story:
- Is it really that bad? PM Orbán’s successor already being sized up – and the frontrunner may surprise many
- Strong Orbán numbers, weak party showing: Tisza stays ahead of Fidesz
McLaughlin & Associates is a prominent Republican and conservative polling, strategic consulting, and media buying firm in the United States. Founded by John McLaughlin and led with his brother Jim McLaughlin, the firm is known for its strong ties to the conservative movement and for serving Republican candidates and organizations. The firm is best known for its work with Donald Trump, having served as pollsters for his 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential campaigns. They have also worked for the Republican National Committee (RNC), the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), and numerous Republican senators, governors, and congressional candidates.
“Center for Fundamental Rights” most commonly refers to a Hungarian political/advocacy think tank known in Hungarian as Alapjogokért Központ.
Here’s what it is in practical terms:
What it does: publishes reports, commentary, and legal/policy analysis—often focused on constitutional issues, rule-of-law debates, migration, culture-war topics, EU politics, and “sovereignty” arguments.
Profile/stance: generally described by international and Hungarian observers as conservative / national-conservative and aligned with or supportive of the Hungarian government’s positions (especially around Fidesz-era policy narratives).
Why it appears in media: it’s frequently quoted in Hungarian and some international outlets as a “rights” or “constitutional” expert source—though critics argue it functions more like a government-friendly messaging and policy shop than a politically neutral civil-rights NGO.