Former President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz (SPD), predicts that Viktor Orbán is likely to lose the election in Hungary on Sunday. Schulz told the “Stern” podcast “5-Minute Talk” that “Viktor Orbán’s time is coming to an end”. He added, “You can feel it in the atmosphere that emanates from him. He no longer believes in his own victory”.
In Schulz’s view, an opposition victory would be a significant positive turning point for Europe. He explained that it would mean the end of the obstruction tactics that Hungary has skillfully employed-particularly regarding issues like Ukraine and energy-often using the veto power.
According to Schulz, “Trumpism” which he sees as Orban representing, involves the authoritarian undermining of democratic institutions from within, and such tactics could suffer a defeat. He concluded by suggesting that authoritarian regimes can be overcome through elections, noting that “this is the great opportunity”.
However, the former EU Parliament President also cautioned European citizens against assuming that Orbán’s challenger, Peter Magyar, will adopt purely pro-European policies across every field. Schulz warned that Magyar will attempt to abandon the current blockade stance without necessarily altering his approach on crucial European issues, such as migration. Nevertheless, he expects Magyar to seek compromises, contrasting this with the uncompromising posture of Orbán.
Should Orbán win, contrary to predictions, Schulz anticipates that relations with Brussels will become even more strained. He stated, “If he wins on Sunday, he will naturally feel encouraged to intensify his current course”.