Istvan Varoczi, a 63-year-old entrepreneur from Cegled, expresses skepticism about polls suggesting Prime Minister Viktor Orban could lose. He emphasizes Orban's long-standing popularity, particularly among older voters, stating, 'I've been watching him for nearly 40 years, I have always voted for him and I will again, I've never been disappointed in him.' Varoczi believes Orban's strength lies in his relatability and connection to the people.
Hungary is no stranger to extremely polarized election campaigns. For decades now, Victor Orban has whether in government or in the opposition followed the same playbook: Starting months ahead of the polls, he has run campaigns that suggest the very survival of the Hungarian nation is at stake. In these campaigns, he styles himself as the only one who can save Hungary and its people from evil and the threat of destruction at the hands of the country's enemies.
Discussion was tough and rough, but Viktor is still not budging, one European official told Reuters. Another official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential discussions between leaders, said that everyone is increasingly angry with Orban.