TL:DR – Péter Magyar hosts campaign event in Budapest, criticises government tactics
• Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, held a campaign event in Budapest on Sunday, urging government respect for privacy amid claims of blackmail.
• Opinion polls indicate Tisza Party is leading Viktor Orbán‘s Fidesz party before parliamentary elections set for 12 April.
• Magyar accused government figures of blackmail involving a secretly recorded sex tape from 2024.
• He rejected claims that an opposition win would bring Hungary into war, pledging to maintain border barriers.
• Magyar met with 12 EU leaders at the Munich Security Conference, discussing plans for his potential government.
Hungary’s opposition leader Magyar calls for privacy protection in latest campaign speech
Hungary’s Main Opposition Leader Calls for Respect of Privacy
Péter Magyar, the leader of Hungary’s Tisza Party, held a campaign event in Budapest on Sunday, urging the government to respect citizens’ privacy amid allegations of blackmail from government figures. This development occurs as opinion polls indicate Magyar’s party is leading ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12th April.
The significance of Magyar’s statements is underscored by his accusations that he was blackmailed with a secretly recorded sex tape. He emphasised the importance of the upcoming election, suggesting that the government’s tactics reflect their fear of losing power.
Magyar Accuses Government of Underhanded Tactics
Magyar alleged that the ruling Fidesz party, led by Viktor Orbán, is resorting to “disgusting things” to discredit him. He stated, “If you want Viktor Orbán to spy in your bedroom, then feel free to vote for the ruling Fidesz party,” highlighting the personal nature of the allegations.
The opposition leader called for an electoral debate with Orbán and cautioned that if his private life can be exposed, others may be at risk as well. He further described the upcoming elections as the “biggest party of the decade,” targeting younger voters and encouraging them to mark the election date.
Magyar Rejects Government’s War Narrative
During his campaign, Magyar dismissed the government’s claims that an opposition victory would pull Hungary into war. He asserted that his party would oppose military conscription and condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but affirmed that Hungary would not be drawn into the conflict.
Additionally, Magyar reiterated his commitment to maintaining border barriers to prevent illegal migration and stated that his party does not support the European Union’s migration pact or Ukraine’s expedited accession to the EU.
Magyar Discusses Plans with European Leaders
Magyar recently attended the Munich Security Conference, where he met with European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He discussed his party’s future plans and stressed the importance of securing EU funds for Hungary.
He also pledged to implement strict anti-corruption measures and ensure judicial independence, freedom of the press, and the integrity of higher education. Furthermore, he reiterated his position regarding Ukraine’s EU aspirations during his talks at the conference.
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