Hungary Voters Seek EU Reforms, Yet Remain Firm on Ukraine Stance

As Hungary prepares for its April 12 general election, a recent poll reveals a growing appetite for adjustments in the country’s relationship with the European Union. However, the same survey highlights a cautious attitude toward financial aid for Ukraine, with voters focusing more on internal matters. Despite this, Peter Magyar, the main opposition figure, holds a narrow lead over Viktor Orban, the long-standing leader, though many remain undecided.

The IDEA poll, released on Thursday, showed 30% backing Orban’s Fidesz party, while 39% supported Magyar’s Tisza. A notable 21% of respondents were still undecided. Meanwhile, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) noted that Orban’s supporters are not entirely unified on foreign policy, with a majority of voters in the EU and NATO member state expressing a desire for a more cooperative stance toward the bloc.

“Hungary’s European partners should not expect a complete U-turn on foreign policy matters in the event of a Magyar victory,” said Piotr Buras, head of ECFR’s Warsaw office. “Indeed, there is division and scepticism among Tisza and Fidesz voter blocs regarding the value of future financial support for Kyiv and its EU accession bid.”

Orban has positioned his criticism of the EU and Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia as central to his campaign. His recent blockage of a major loan agreement for Ukraine at the EU summit last month underscores this position. The ECFR study found that his stance resonates with many, as public opinion largely opposes Kyiv’s ambitions to join the bloc.

Opinion on the US administration also split along party lines. Three-quarters of Fidesz supporters praised Donald Trump as a strong leader, while four-fifths of Tisza backers disapproved of him. The poll of 1,001 people, conducted between March 26 and April 1, indicated that most voters favor smoother relations with the EU—predominantly within Magyar’s camp and across a significant portion of Orban’s base.

Tisza supporters identified corruption, governance, and public services as key concerns, while Fidesz voters emphasized energy security and economic stability. Only 6% of respondents named EU relations as the top priority, with Tisza supporters citing it as the most important issue at 10% and Fidesz backers at 2%. Despite these divisions, roughly 60% of undecided voters plan to participate in the election.