The political newcomer, who has become a headache for the Hungarian government, says his experience as a regime insider will help him succeed where other rebels have failed, adding “Vision” as a sign of the possibility of “rise and change.”
Fourteen years after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban returned to power and led the country down an illiberal path, some Hungarians have lost hope that his grip on power could be undermined. was.
But Péter Magyar, a former member of the ruling Fidesz party’s most elite ranks, is now tasked with convincing Hungarians that Orbán’s government should and can be overthrown.
“Two months ago, no one knew me in Hungary,” Magyar said in an interview with the Guardian. “Today we held our biggest political rally.”
At 9 p.m. Saturday night, Magyar was sitting in a coffee shop near the Hungarian parliament drinking a Coca-Cola at the end of a marathon day that he hoped would be a turning point for Hungary.
Hours earlier, Magyars led a demonstration of tens of thousands of people in front of the parliament building. Demonstrators sang together and clasped hands as Magyars called on them to put aside their ideological differences and unite to build a different future for the country.
But even after the large crowds went home, some remained, excitedly waiting for selfies with the Magyars that have become famous in recent weeks.
The 43-year-old publicly broke with the government, went to prosecutors on corruption charges, and gained national attention after his ex-wife Judith Varga, a former justice minister, released recordings of them discussing the Magyar language. It is described as corruption at the highest level of government.
He has set himself apart from Hungary’s struggling opposition by criticizing not only Orbán but also some of the government’s opponents and calling on conservative, left-wing and liberal Hungarians to join his movement. did.
“Of course, the aim is to establish a political party so that we can stand in the European Parliament elections on June 9,” Magyar said, estimating his approval rating at around 15-21%. “That’s crazy,” he said.
“I would be at the top of the list,” he said, but added: “I have no intention of going to Brussels because I have to establish the party in Hungary.”
Asked what sets him apart from other Hungarian opposition politicians who have tried and failed to appeal to a wide range of voters, Magyar, who has relied heavily on social media to build a new political brand, said that he is different from other Hungarian opposition politicians who have tried and failed to appeal to a wide range of voters. He emphasized his experience.
“I’m a newcomer, a newcomer, but I’m not a newcomer because I’m very experienced,” he said, pointing to his long service as a Hungarian diplomat in Brussels, his past membership in the Fidesz party and his ties to policy-making. -His involvement in Manufacturer and Varga’s social media communications.
“I have a vision for Hungary,” he said.
Government officials have sought to downplay the importance of the Magyars and have repeatedly denied allegations of corruption.
But the new opposition movement is visibly shaking the ruling party, with government-controlled news outlets publishing sometimes dozens of articles a day attacking his projects and persona. Some of the reporting has focused on Varga’s recent claims that he abused her during their marriage. Magyar has a joint living arrangement with Varga and their three children, but they deny the allegations, saying they are part of a “propaganda campaign”.
Nevertheless, some opposition politicians and supporters have expressed skepticism about Magyar and his strategy, fearing he could dilute an already divided opposition vote. has been expressed.
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Asked about these concerns, Magyar said, “I don’t think it’s my problem,” adding that 30% of his support comes from opposition voters, 30% from independents and 20% from government supporters. He pointed out that he believes that
Regarding efforts to overturn the traditional political landscape, he cited the example of French President Emmanuel Macron, who left the Socialist Party to found a centrist movement.
“This is my goal: to be in the center,” he said, adding: “I have some things in common with Orbán and some things in common with the opposition.”
Magyar’s messages have focused on domestic issues, particularly on fighting corruption and improving the quality of life for Hungarians.
In the interview, he criticized Brussels, but also stressed the need for a constructive relationship with the EU.
“I can say that I am a little closer to Fidesz’s position than the other team, but what is certain is that we are part of the club and we should behave like part of the club,” he said.
He claimed that the EU’s policies towards Orbán were helping the ruling party. “I’m not a big fan of this federal European superstate, I believe in strong member states and a strong EU,” he said.
But the Magyar president also said he would end the conflict between Hungary and the country’s rule of law.
“You can have a discussion, but it should be constructive,” he said.
