Tensions rise in Hungary ahead of elections: Series of accusations by Viktor Orban, opposition leader quickly responded

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused his “opponents” ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections of an “organized attempt to take advantage of the chaos” to challenge their result, prompting an immediate response from the opposition leader, according to AFP.

They are “conspiring with foreign intelligence services, not hesitating to resort to any means” to “seize power”, Orban claimed on Facebook, saying there were “threats of violence” against his supporters, “allegations of election fraud made up out of nothing” and “pre-organized demonstrations” even before the votes were counted.

Viktor Orban, in power since 2010, is running for a fifth term. But his conservative and pro-European rival Peter Magyar is far ahead in independent polls.

The latest poll, published on Friday, states that 52% of decided voters would vote with Tisza.

How Magyar responded to Orban

Peter Magyar quickly responded to Orban, asking Hungarians “not to give in to any kind of provocation and to keep calm”, and inviting the Budapest prime minister to “accept the decision of the Hungarian people with due calmness and dignity”.

“The ongoing series of electoral frauds led for months by the ruling party, Fidesz, as well as criminal acts, intelligence operations, disinformation and fake news cannot change the fact that Tisza will win these elections,” he added on Facebook.

Magyar also warned ahead of US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Budapest this week against US attempts to influence the election, while experts say there is evidence of continued Russian efforts to meddle in Viktor Orban's campaign.

On Thursday evening, US President Donald Trump again expressed his support for his closest ally in the European Union on his social network.

“Hungary: GO VOTE FOR VIKTOR ORBAN. He is a true friend, a fighter and a WINNER, and he has my full and total support,” he wrote.

“VIKTOR ORBAN WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT THE GREAT PEOPLE OF HUNGARY. I AM WITH HIM UNTIL THE END!” he added.

While the Hungarian opposition fears the nationalist leader will not recognize the election result, Council of Europe lawmakers recently expressed concern about the “toxic” nature of Hungary's election campaign, marked by “incendiary propaganda” by the nationalist leader, who is facing economic and social discontent.