Orbán's Fidesz party catches up with Tisza according to poll, social package seems to have worked

Viktor Orbán's ruling party Fidesz has narrowed the lead of Péter Magyar's opposition party Tisz, a survey by the 21 Research Centre showed at the end of November. Tisza continues to lead with 47 percent of the vote of decided voters, but Fidesz has improved to 40 percent. The gap has narrowed from ten percentage points in October.

Prime Minister Orbán's social measures, including support for pensioners, subsidised mortgages and tax breaks for families, appear to have contributed to the narrowing of the gap. Analysts point in particular to the growing support for Fidesz among voters over 65.

Orbán is facing a challenge from his centre-right rival Magyar, who may threaten him in the spring 2026 parliamentary elections.

While last week's Median poll saw a narrowing gap between the two parties and fewer people hoping for a change of government, it did not fail to note that 60 percent of those surveyed believe the country, now in its third year of stagnation, is on the wrong track.

(reuters, max)