Massive Crowds Join Rival Rallies in Budapest Ahead of Elections

(MENAFN) Tens of thousands of Hungarians gathered in Budapest on Sunday for competing rallies led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his main challenger, Peter Magyar, just four weeks before tightly contested national elections, as reported by observers.

Orban has framed Magyar as a "puppet" of Brussels and Kyiv, while Magyar has accused the Kremlin-aligned premier of seeking Russian support to maintain power ahead of the April 12 vote.

During his speech, the nationalist leader urged Ukraine to cease "attacking" Hungary and reiterated past complaints over Kyiv’s blockage of a key pipeline transporting Russian oil to the country.

Magyar, meanwhile, claimed that Orban was attempting to limit Hungary’s sovereignty by "inviting Russian agents" to "interfere in the elections." These accusations come after reports from regional investigative sources suggesting a covert Russian social media campaign aimed at boosting Orban and undermining the opposition.

Supporters traveled from across Hungary to attend Orban’s rally, billed as a "peace march" on the nation’s public holiday, with many arriving on buses linked to the Fidesz Party.

"There is unrest all over the world, and here in our little country we want to preserve peace, calm and security. And Viktor Orban ensures that for us," said Sandorne Pista, 60, who came from the southern university town of Pecs.

One banner read, "We will not be a Ukrainian colony," while the crowd later chanted "Viktor, Viktor" as Orban addressed them in front of parliament.

Addressing the ongoing oil dispute with Kyiv, Orban told the audience: "Give us our oil, then roll your trucks over to the cash register in Brussels to collect money from the West, since they can't say no."

MENAFN16032026000045017640ID1110865690