40. HUNGARY ‘26: An election that will define the future of Europe - GUEST: Péter Krekó

Hungary’s upcoming election isn’t just another vote. In the words of the Dutch far-right expert, Cas Mudde, it is one of two elections in 2026 that will define the future of European liberal democracy. (And yes, the other one is the US midterms.)After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s rule, Fidesz (his party) faces its toughest challenge yet from Péter Magyar’s opposition movement, Tisza, which now leads in the polls by double digits. But Orbán’s grip on power, built through media dominance, gerrymandered districts, and a network of loyal institutions, means this race is far from fair.The election hinges on more than just numbers. Orbán’s survival strategy relies on shifting the public’s focus from economic decline and corruption scandals to his signature foreign policy rhetoric: anti-Brussels, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Putin. Magyar, a former Fidesz insider turned reformer, offers voters a chance to break the cycle, but his success depends on overcoming a system rigged against change.If Magyar wins, the road to recovery won’t be quick. Orbán’s legacy—corrupted courts, a captured media, and a centralised economy—won’t vanish overnight. And yet, even a narrow victory could trigger a slow unravelling of Orbán’s empire, especially if EU funds and legal pressure force accountability.The world is watching. Hungary’s election is a test of whether democracy can still push back against autocracy’s rise. But with Orbán’s campaign machine in overdrive and 50 days left to sway voters, the outcome remains dangerously uncertain.Will Hungary’s voters finally turn the page, or will Orbán’s playbook outlast the backlash? Tune in to find out as Omri, Benni and Daniela sit down with the Hungarian social psychologist and political scientist, Péter Krekó. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com