Péter Magyar, chairman of Hungary's opposition Tisza Party, at a demonstration in support of abused children in Budapest, early December. Credit: Robert Hegedus / AP

For the first time since 2010, there's a serious challenger to Hungary's right-wing populist kleptocrat, who rules what he proudly terms an 'illiberal democracy.' In the April elections, how much is at stake for Europe – and for Israel? And how far could Viktor Orbán go to hobble the opposition?

10:06 PM • December 29 2025 IST

In 2026, Europe's future will be decided in Hungary.

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![Alex Kleytman, left, and his wife Larisa in January. "It's not what you survived for: You survived to live your life and enjoy your life," a friend eulogized.](https://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019b-3275-d5c5-a3df-bef71e6e0006/97/c6/696d0a2847de91bc7173481d9b8f/processed-b5414bcd-078a-4a5d-b5a2-8db1ae414828.jpeg?precrop=1716,998,x0,y663&width=576&height=335&cmsprod "Alex Kleytman, left, and his wife Larisa in January. "It's not what you survived for: You survived to live your life and enjoy your life," a friend eulogized. Credit: Veda Kucko")