April’s election could shatter records with sky-high turnout and a nail-bitingly close finish. The latest poll, commissioned by left-leaning daily Népszava from the Publicus Institute, shows the flag leaning heavily towards the Tisza Party – yet one of Hungary’s top political pundits insists Fidesz might still have a lifeline, even if they lose. Remarkably, the economy’s upbeat numbers are backing Orbán’s staying power, despite four years of stagnation or outright slump.

This Népszava-ordered poll conducted by Publicus was taken after the government’s massive pre-election giveaway spree: armed forces got their weapon bonuses, pensioners pocketed an extra half-month’s payout, family tax breaks swelled, and more mums qualified for income tax exemptions. The only promise left dangling? A hefty gross 152,000-forint bonus for teachers (net 100,000 forints) – its impact remains a mystery.

Viktor Orbán Fidesz campaign rally
Photo: Facebook/Orbán Viktor

Even so, Publicus clocked a whopping Tisza lead, forecasting turnout as high as 84% – meaning the Hungarian parliament might boil down to just three parties. Among all adults, Tisza leads 35-30; sure voters shift it to 40-35; and committed party backers? A thumping 47-39, nearly 10 points. The big two’s fans are locked in too: 89% and 88% vow to vote no matter what.

Publicus predicts a three-party parliament, with Mi Hazánk scraping in at 5-7%. No dice for DK or the Two-Tailed Dog Party crossing the 5% hurdle.

Péter Magyar
Photo: Facebook/Péter Magyar

What boosts Tisza’s win odds?

  • On one hand—and most compellingly—the public opinion polls themselves: since 2006, there’s never been a moment when Fidesz hasn’t dominated the surveys, and by a mile at that. That’s why Orbán had to ditch his usual playbook and go head-to-head with Péter Magyar in open confrontation. Some analysts reckon this could even escalate to a full-blown prime ministerial debate.
  • Half of those polled would cheer if Orbán toppled; just over a third if he hangs on.

Fidesz’s glimmers of hope?

  • 40% still expect a government win in April – they just don’t buy Tisza’s triumph – versus 36% predicting Orbán’s fall. Only a quarter crave a pure Tisza government, which is telling: coalitions look unlikely anyway. Among undecideds, just one in seven wants single-party rule; 63% fancy an opposition alliance at the helm.
  • The GKI consumer confidence index is at a two-year peak, up 12 points since last July. Per G7, February’s mood topped June 2024 (Fidesz’s EP romp) and April 2022 (their supermajority smash). A 2020 21 Research Center study (1998-2020 data) found a tight link between this index and ruling party support. But G7 warns: folks might just be rosy-eyed, betting on their side’s victory to boost their vibe.
  • Pundit Gábor Török says a tight list vote could force Fidesz into bed with Mi Hazánk – losing the election but keeping the reins. More people now accept Tisza’s lead, he adds, but Fidesz hope to flip the script in the campaign. Crunching 21 Research Centre numbers, Török figures Tisza seals a government only with a 3%+ national list edge.

Medián and Republikon: arrows point Tisza’s way

Last week’s Medián bombshell – Tisza up 20 points among sure party voters – sparked fury. Viktor Orbán (a first!) branded its boss, Endre Hann, a clown on his own Facebook page.

Republikon called a Tisza win mid-February too, with an 8-point sure-voter lead and 5% overall – eerily mirroring Publicus now. They even tipped the Dog Party for parliament.

If you missed our previous articles concerning the 2026 general elections in Hungary: