Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on his supporters to resist what he described as the country’s slide into “tyranny,” launching his strongest political attack yet on Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s government following his election defeat earlier this year.
In a Facebook post titled Statement of Resistance, Orban accused the new administration of dismantling Hungary’s democratic institutions after lawmakers approved constitutional changes that ended the mandates of the country’s president and the head of the Constitutional Court.
“Again the age of tyranny started in Hungary,” Orban wrote. “The new political system created this way is illegitimate. Fidesz will use all peaceful tools against abuse of power inside parliament and outside parliament.”
His remarks marked his first major political intervention since losing April’s election, which ended Fidesz’s 16-year hold on power.
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Prosecutors Raid Fidesz Linked Offices
Orban’s statement came shortly after his Fidesz party said prosecutors had raided offices housing its internet servers.
Hungarian prosecutors said the operation was linked to an investigation into alleged “misappropriation and other criminal offences” involving the National Culture Fund (NKA) during Orban’s time in office.
The former prime minister has consistently denied corruption allegations against his government.
Magyar Pushes Constitutional Changes
Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party has used its parliamentary supermajority to reverse several constitutional changes introduced during Orban’s tenure, arguing they weakened democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Among the latest reforms was a constitutional amendment ending President Tamas Sulyok’s mandate. The government cited a “serious loss of confidence” in the president, who had been elected in 2024 by lawmakers from Orban’s Fidesz party.
Parliament is now expected to elect a new president.
Tisza has rejected accusations that it is behaving in an authoritarian manner, saying its reforms are intended to restore democratic governance, strengthen institutions and combat corruption.
A Reversal of Earlier Criticism
Orban’s accusations come after years in which his own government faced sustained criticism from the European Union over democratic backsliding, judicial independence, media freedom and minority rights.
Brussels repeatedly accused Orban’s administration of undermining the rule of law, allegations he consistently rejected.
Now in opposition, Orban argues that Hungary itself has become undemocratic under the new government.
Fidesz Faces an Uncertain Future
Since its election defeat, Fidesz has struggled to regain momentum.
The party’s parliamentary leader resigned last week, while recent polling suggests support for Magyar’s Tisza party continues to grow. A survey by pollster Median earlier this month showed Tisza commanding 60% public support compared with just 18% for Fidesz.
Orban is expected to expand on his criticism during a scheduled press briefing, as Hungary’s political landscape enters a new and increasingly confrontational phase.
With information from Reuters.
