The minimum you need to know

Viktor Orbán is no longer Prime Minister. In April 2026, Hungary held parliamentary elections and Péter Magyar and his TISZA party won a landslide victory, ending Orbán’s roughly 16 years as head of government. Orbán conceded defeat and remains leader of the opposition Fidesz party

There is internal peace within Hungary. But Reuters reported in October 2024 on street protests there about state run communication. The Viktor Orbán administration at the time enjoyed uncontested majority popular support acknowledged by demonstrators. But street rallies called for the minority party TISZA to receive more air time. Those rallies were successful. Freedom of expression started to be protected. People peacefully protested several times. Peter Magyar prevailed.

Hungary became a member of the European Union in 2004. The country is at peace with all surrounding states. But its long standing alignment with neighboring Ukraine makes security important to the country. Hungary has expressed a significant desire for peace in the region.

Hungary received a considerable number of refugees from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Like other European Union member states in similar situations, Hungary has very substantial humanitarian needs, and tolerates a small amount of social strife. The government has a tradition of compassion toward refugees.