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Hungary

Hungary holds elections on April 12 with Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year rule challenged by opposition leader Peter Magyar.

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A nighttime political rally in Hungary with a large crowd holding flags and torches in front of a lit stage, during the run‑up to the 2026 election.

A nighttime political rally in Hungary with a large crowd holding flags and torches in front of a lit stage, during the run‑up to the 2026 election.

Hungary election 2026: power, billions and Orban's rule

Hungary's 2026 election will shape the country's rule and its future in Europe.

A Fidesz election campaign poster portrays Orban's opponent Peter Magyar next to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen

A Fidesz election campaign poster portrays Orban's opponent Peter Magyar next to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen

Hungary: Orban and opposition trade barbs ahead of election

Hungary is facing a potentially pivotal election, with challenger Peter Magyar and the Tisza party promising change.

Viktor Orban speaking with Giorgia Meloni at an EU summit with other EU leaders behind them

Viktor Orban speaking with Giorgia Meloni at an EU summit with other EU leaders behind them

Hungary voters want new EU approach, tough stance on Ukraine

A new poll ahead of Hungary's election suggests that most voters want at least minor changes to ties with the EU.

A Serbian military police officers stands between two black cars with a machine gun and with a dark uniform.

A Serbian military police officers stands between two black cars with a machine gun and with a dark uniform.

Fact check: Orban points to Ukraine over pipeline bomb

Days before a consequential election, Orban suggests Ukraine is sabotaging Hungary's energy security.

Extreme close-up of a human eye with graphics superimposed

Extreme close-up of a human eye with graphics superimposed

AI facial recognition: A threat to privacy?

Facial recognition helps in daily life – but it can also be misused for mass surveillance.

Viktor Orban watches on from the stands during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin

Viktor Orban watches on from the stands during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin

Hungary election: How football has helped Orban keep power

Viktor Orban is a football fanatic but has long used the sport as a political tool, both in Hungary and abroad.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium in Budapest, Hungary. April 8, 2026.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium in Budapest, Hungary. April 8, 2026.

JD Vance ribs Zelenskyy and Ukraine for Orban in Hungary

US vice president echoes Viktor Orban's campaign messaging, firing broadsides at EU leaders and Ukraine's government.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US Vice President JD Vance shake hands in front of US and Hungarian flags in Budapest, Hungary.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US Vice President JD Vance shake hands in front of US and Hungarian flags in Budapest, Hungary.

Vance targets EU while campaigning for Orban in Hungary

US Vice President JD Vance joined Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban at a Budapest campaign rally ahead of Sunday's vote.

People walk through a small town market in Berehove, Ukraine, in March 2024

People walk through a small town market in Berehove, Ukraine, in March 2024

Hungarians living in Ukraine caught between front lines

About 80,000 ethnic Hungarians live in western Ukraine. What does the future hold for this minority?

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (right) welcomes US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha to Budapest as all three walk along a red carpet flanked by soldiers, Air Force Two can be seen behind them

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (right) welcomes US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha to Budapest as all three walk along a red carpet flanked by soldiers, Air Force Two can be seen behind them

Hungary: US dispatches JD Vance to aid Orban reelection bid

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a symbol of the global far-right and an inspiration for Donald Trump and MAGA.

Serbian military police officers stand guard near vehicles as explosive materials of high destructive power are reported found close to a gas pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary near the villages of Velebit, Tresnjevac and Vojvoda Zimonjic in Kanjiza, Serbia, on April 6, 2026.

Serbian military police officers stand guard near vehicles as explosive materials of high destructive power are reported found close to a gas pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary near the villages of Velebit, Tresnjevac and Vojvoda Zimonjic in Kanjiza, Serbia, on April 6, 2026.

Serbia, Hungary say explosives found near Russian pipeline

Serbian officials say they found explosives near a pipeline that carries Russian gas into Hungary.

This image shows two men dressed in suits (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US Vice President JD Vance) in Washington

This image shows two men dressed in suits (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US Vice President JD Vance) in Washington

In bid to boost Orban, Vance to visit Hungary ahead of vote

US Vice President JD Vance is expected in Hungary days before the parliamentary election on April 12.

The Balkan Stream pipeline in Serbia

The Balkan Stream pipeline in Serbia

Serbia, Hungary say explosives found at Russian gas pipeline

Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic said explosives "of devastating power" were found near the Balkan Stream gas pipeline.

Hungary's government accused of spying on opposition

The intelligence service is said to have spied on the opposition Tisza Party ahead of April's parliamentary election.

A plane flying above the clouds while the sun shines.

A plane flying above the clouds while the sun shines.

Sky High: Does a Pilot have a Dream Job?

A pilot’s daily routine, pilgrimage tips to Santiago de Compostela and chocolate mousse.

Ungarn Budapest 2026 | Viktor Orbán & Péter Magyar

Ungarn Budapest 2026 | Viktor Orbán & Péter Magyar

Hungary: Europe or an authoritarian path?

As Hungary approaches the general election, the country appears more divided than ever.

The politicians wave and smile amid flags and phones are held high to take their picture.

The politicians wave and smile amid flags and phones are held high to take their picture.

Hungarian election: Will Europe's far-right help Orban win?

European populists are throwing their weight behind Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's reelection campaign.

This picture shows a "corrected" government banner in Hungary, covered with satirical messages

This picture shows a "corrected" government banner in Hungary, covered with satirical messages

Hungary election: Man 'corrects' government campaign posters

Peter Heindl has for years been "correcting" the Hungarian government's posters in an act of political resistance.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talking amid an EU leaders' summit, with other top European politicians visible in the background

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talking amid an EU leaders' summit, with other top European politicians visible in the background

EU reacts to 'concerning' report of Hungarian leak to Russia

The EU and Germany have expressed concern at reports of Hungary's foreign minister briefing Russia on EU talks.

Supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a rally

Supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a rally

Hungary's rival parties hold parallel rallies ahead of vote

Viktor Orban is facing his first serious challenge in years in Peter Magyar.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin standing in an ornate room

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin standing in an ornate room

Russia works to 'tip scale' for Orban in Hungary election

With the Kremlin backing the prime minister, Hungarians are voting on whether to lean toward the EU or Russia.

A pyramid of banknotes is seen on a table. Leaning against the pile are nine bars of gold

A pyramid of banknotes is seen on a table. Leaning against the pile are nine bars of gold

Oil for cash? Ukraine-Hungary tension continues to escalate

Hungary has seized a Ukrainian cash transporter and is pressuring Kyiv to resume oil deliveries. What could happen next?

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia is seen at the Hungarian MOL Group's Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 18, 2022

The Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia is seen at the Hungarian MOL Group's Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 18, 2022

Hungary blocks some fuel deliveries to Ukraine amid tensions

Hungary announced the move as it asks Ukraine to repair a pipeline that pumps Russian oil to Budapest and Bratislava.

On February 11, 2026, a government election billboard is seen in Budapest, Hungary, showing altered images of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and European People's Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber, who seem to be asking the viewer for money

On February 11, 2026, a government election billboard is seen in Budapest, Hungary, showing altered images of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and European People's Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber, who seem to be asking the viewer for money

Hungary's Orban deploys AI-made scare ads in close election

In Hungary, Viktor Orban's Fidesz party uses aggressive AI-made anti‑European Union and Ukraine ads to rally voters.

A receiving station at an oil refinery, various pipes of white, black and yellow

A receiving station at an oil refinery, various pipes of white, black and yellow

Hungary's Orban accuses Kyiv of plotting energy disruption

Viktor Orban has escalated a dispute with Ukraine, accusing it of planning to disrupt his country's energy system.

Viktor Orban puts his hand to his face while walking

Viktor Orban puts his hand to his face while walking

Hungary threatens veto of €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine

Budapest could cut off billions in EU aid to Ukraine unless more Russian oil gets piped to Hungary.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, February 16, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, February 16, 2026

Rubio praises Orban and Hungary ahead of crunch election

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backs Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's leadership during a visit to Budapest.

Peter Magyar speaking at a podium with the message: "A functioning Hungary"

Peter Magyar speaking at a podium with the message: "A functioning Hungary"

Hungary: Magyar launches anti-Orban election campaign

The Hungarian opposition Tisza party is pledging to combat corruption and reverse Budapest's pivot towards Russia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico shake hands, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on February 15, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico shake hands, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on February 15, 2026

Marco Rubio visits Trump allies in Eastern Europe

The US Secretary of State is on a two-day trip to Slovakia and Hungary — two countries still reliant on Russian energy.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaking at podium in crowd of supporters

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaking at podium in crowd of supporters

Orban says EU bigger threat to Hungary than Russia

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban accused the EU of propping up Peter Magyar's Tisza opposition party.

At the front of a large crowd on a street, a line of men and women hold up a banner that reads, in Hungarian, 'Let's protect the children', Budapest, Hungary, December 13, 2025

At the front of a large crowd on a street, a line of men and women hold up a banner that reads, in Hungarian, 'Let's protect the children', Budapest, Hungary, December 13, 2025

Sex, health, child abuse scandals threaten Orban reelection

Hungary's election campaign has been dominated by a series of scandals that reveals the ruling party's double standards.

A man stuffs a wad of dollar bills into his blazer pocket

A man stuffs a wad of dollar bills into his blazer pocket

Corruption watchdog reports increase in global graft

The US, UK, Canada and Sweden are slipping into decline, according to Transparency International's latest report.

Could Hungary win its case against the EU's Russian gas ban?

Hungary is suing the EU over its ban on the import of Russian gas — and some legal experts think it might have a chance.

Boy dressed in yellow t-shirt and blue cap (L) and girl with pig-tail at the bottom of a slide (C) in a playground

Boy dressed in yellow t-shirt and blue cap (L) and girl with pig-tail at the bottom of a slide (C) in a playground

In Hungary, prejudice prevents adoption of Roma children

Only about one-fifth of prospective adoptive parents in Hungary express no preference regarding a child's background.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony at last year's Budapest Pride

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony at last year's Budapest Pride

Budapest mayor charged over Pride parade

The case against Gergely Karacsony is being handled without a court hearing and as elections approach.

Janos Lazar listens to Orban speak during autumn 2024 session of Hungarian Parliament

Janos Lazar listens to Orban speak during autumn 2024 session of Hungarian Parliament

Hungary: Cabinet member uses vulgar slur to insult Roma

Transportation Minister Janos Lazar says Roma should clean Hungary's dirty toilets rather than workers from abroad.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban giving his annual press conference on January 5, 2026

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban giving his annual press conference on January 5, 2026

Hungary: Orban takes in EU politicians accused of corruption

The move shows how far Hungary has drifted from the EU, but it's a risky political gambit for Viktor Orban.

Hungary, Budapest, tens of thousands protesting

Hungary, Budapest, tens of thousands protesting

Hungary child abuse scandal brings calls for Orban to resign

Hungarians have been outraged by videos showing children being abused in state-run juvenile facilities.

Protesters demand Viktor Orban's resignation

Protesters demand Viktor Orban's resignation

Hungary: Thousands march demanding Orban's ouster

The protest followed the release of videos showing a juvenile correction facility's staff physically abusing children.

Tzivia Myers, a young woman with long dark hair and red lipstick, sits indoors for an interview

Tzivia Myers, a young woman with long dark hair and red lipstick, sits indoors for an interview

Orthodox Jewish woman gives online insights into her life

Tzivia Myers is redefining what tradition means for a Hungarian Orthodox Jewish woman — both online and offline.

The front page of the National Security Strategy and President Trump's signature

The front page of the National Security Strategy and President Trump's signature

Will Trump 'pull' Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary from EU?

A leaked draft strategy paper appears to show the US wants to exert its influence over four EU countries in particular.

Viktor Orban at a 2019 Brussels press conference

Viktor Orban at a 2019 Brussels press conference

EU slams Hungary over media infringement, threatens ECJ suit

The EU says Hungary fails to protect journalistic independence and that ownership and oversight are problematic.

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok speaks during the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Civilization of the Qin and Han Dynasties - The First Chinese Emperor's Terracotta Warriors" in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 27, 2025.

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok speaks during the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Civilization of the Qin and Han Dynasties - The First Chinese Emperor's Terracotta Warriors" in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 27, 2025.

Hungary passes bill reinforcing president's post

The change comes ahead of elections, with Fidesz and Viktor Orban's position at risk.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, pictured here in Brussels in June 2025

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, pictured here in Brussels in June 2025

Hungary's Orban woos voters with cash incentives and smears

To lure voters from his young challenger, the Hungarian leader is offering incentives while squeezing opposition cities.

Stuffed peppers on a white plate with tomato sauce and basil, with a spoon beside them; in the background, a basket with fresh bell peppers.

Stuffed peppers on a white plate with tomato sauce and basil, with a spoon beside them; in the background, a basket with fresh bell peppers.

Who makes Europe's best stuffed peppers?

Hungary, Bulgaria and Albania all serve stuffed peppers. We put their recipes to the test.

Two adults are standing outside in the snow in front of a yellow house in Finland, holding a toddler wearing a yellow jacket and hat in their arms.

Two adults are standing outside in the snow in front of a yellow house in Finland, holding a toddler wearing a yellow jacket and hat in their arms.

Relaxed parenting: Finland's recipe for success?

Relaxed Finnish parenting. A designer battles depression. And Europe‘s best stuffed peppers.

The prime ministers of the Visegrad states stand in a row in front of the flags of their countries. From left: Robert Fico of Slovakia, Donald Tusk of Poland, Petr Fiala of Czechia and Viktor Orban of Hungary, pictured in Prague, Czechia, February 27, 2024

The prime ministers of the Visegrad states stand in a row in front of the flags of their countries. From left: Robert Fico of Slovakia, Donald Tusk of Poland, Petr Fiala of Czechia and Viktor Orban of Hungary, pictured in Prague, Czechia, February 27, 2024

Can Visegrad be revived despite differences on Ukraine?

Polish President Karol Nawrocki wants to "restore the strength" of the Visegrad Group. Is it going to happen?

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Protecting the Pope: Life in the Swiss Guard

The duties of the Swiss Guard, Dutch pancakes & a reality check in Monaco

Author David Szalay poses for a photo after being named as the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize for the nvel "Flesh," at Old Billingsgate, in London on November 10, 2025.

Author David Szalay poses for a photo after being named as the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize for the nvel "Flesh," at Old Billingsgate, in London on November 10, 2025.

Prestigious 2025 Booker Prize awarded to David Szalay

British-Hungarian author David Szalay has won the 2025 Booker Prize worth 50,000 pounds for his dark novel "Flesh."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks with US President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks with US President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC

Trump exempts Hungary from sanctions for buying Russian oil

Hungarian leader has called access to Russian oil and gas a "vital" issue for his landlocked country.