Medián, one of Hungary’s best-known polling institutes and among the few to closely predict the outcome of the recent parliamentary election, has published a striking new survey showing both a dramatic rise in support for the Tisza Party and growing backing for legal action against Orbán.

According to the poll, commissioned by HVG and conducted between 27 April and 2 May, a majority of Hungarians believe former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán should face legal consequences over actions linked to his years in power.

The survey also examined party preferences and public perceptions of both Viktor Orbán and Péter Magyar. The results suggest that the Tisza Party has continued to widen its lead over Fidesz, especially among committed voters.

According to the poll, Tisza’s support has reached 70% among decided voters, while Fidesz stands at just 23%. Across the overall population, the opposition party also holds a significant advantage.

The research also asked respondents whether Orbán should face legal accountability for alleged wrongdoing committed during his time in office. Some 65% said they believe the former prime minister may have committed serious enough offences to justify a court case against him.

Meanwhile, 28% said Orbán bears political responsibility for what happened during his years in power, but they would not support criminal proceedings against him. The remaining respondents either did not know or declined to answer.

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Even some Fidesz voters would support an investigation

Support for legal action against Orbán was strongest among Tisza Party supporters. According to the survey, nearly nine out of ten Tisza voters said they would back court proceedings against the former prime minister.

One of the more surprising findings, however, was that 12% of Fidesz supporters also believed Orbán’s actions should be investigated from a legal perspective. While this remains a minority opinion among the Fidesz voters, similar numbers have rarely appeared in previous surveys.

The poll also suggests that Orbán’s personal ratings have deteriorated significantly. Only 39% of respondents now believe he was suitable for the role of prime minister, while 59% said they were dissatisfied with his performance in retrospect.

Péter Magyar continues to receive far more positive ratings. According to the survey, 72% of respondents consider him fit to serve as prime minister. Although this marks a slight decline compared with the post-election peak, it remains substantially higher than his support levels before the campaign.

Medián also asked respondents whether they believe Hungary is heading in the right or wrong direction. Some 63% said the country is currently moving in the right direction, compared with just 33% who said the same in the institute’s final poll before the 12 April election.

“There are no words” – Péter Magyar reacts to the poll

Péter Magyar also reacted to the latest Medián figures, which showed a historic lead for the Tisza Party. In a Facebook post published on Wednesday afternoon, the politician briefly commented on the results.

“There are no words. TISZA 70%, Fidesz 23%. Numbers never seen before, responsibility never seen before,” wrote the incoming prime minister.

According to the Medián survey, support for Tisza among decided voters has now reached 70%, while Fidesz stands at 23%. The gap between the two parties was also substantial across the wider electorate.

In his post, Magyar also suggested that a new political era is about to begin in Hungary. He wrote that “the real service” would begin on 9 May, the day the new parliament is formed.

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