Hungarian Parties Register for 2024 European Parliament and Local Elections

Hungarian political parties, including both parliamentary and non-parliamentary ones, are currently registering for the upcoming European Parliament and local elections scheduled for June 9, 2024. The deadline for submitting 20,000 valid voter recommendations to be eligible is May 3rd.

Fidesz politician Tamás Deutsch has accused leftist Hungarian parties of forming an alliance with the European Parliament's leftist majority to withhold EU funding from Hungary, claiming they have been "bought". Deutsch asserts that Hungarians reject this and that the country's pro-peace stance, rejection of illegal migration, and policies protecting children will not be changed. He also argues that the Sovereignty Protection Office, which he describes as a tool against the "Brussels madhouse", needs stronger legitimacy that can be achieved through a robust majority in the European Parliament elections.

Meanwhile, Hungarian opposition politician Peter Magyar and various civil organizations are organizing an anti-government protest in Budapest on April 26. The demonstration will demand the resignation of Interior Minister Sandor Pinter and the government following a series of child abuse scandals. Authorities are expected to deploy increased security to monitor the gathering, and participants could march in the city center, potentially causing significant ground travel disruptions.

This demonstration is part of a series of large anti-government protests in Budapest since early February, sparked by a presidential pardon granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child abuse case. The scandal has led to the resignation of former president Katalin Novak and Justice Minister Judith Varga, fueling public outrage against the ruling Fidesz party ahead of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections. Magyar's Respect and Freedom Party (TISZA) has harnessed the scandal, and further demonstrations are likely to take place, particularly in Budapest, during the build-up to the elections.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution expressing concerns about the state of democracy in Hungary, especially given the upcoming elections and Hungary's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. The resolution highlights issues related to the justice system, anti-corruption, media freedom, fundamental rights, the electoral system, and the functioning of civil society. It condemns the adoption of the Protection of National Sovereignty Act and the establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office, which it says violates democratic standards and EU laws. The resolution also criticizes the European Commission's decision to release up to €10.2 billion in frozen EU funds to Hungary, despite ongoing deficiencies in the independence of the judiciary.

Why this matters: The upcoming European Parliament and local elections in Hungary are taking place amidst heightened political tensions and concerns over the state of democracy in the country. The outcome of these elections could have significant implications for Hungary's relationship with the European Union and its role in the bloc going forward.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been widely criticized for undermining Hungary's democratic institutions and cultivating ties with Moscow and Beijing. The European Parliament resolution reiterates the need to determine whether Hungary has committed "serious and persistent breaches of EU values" under Article 7(2) and expresses concerns about Hungary's ability to credibly fulfill its duties during the Presidency of the Council in 2024. As the election campaign heats up, the political divisions within Hungary and its strained relations with EU institutions are likely to remain in the spotlight. Orbán is hoping the 2024 US presidential election will change his political fortunes.

Key Takeaways

• Hungarian parties registering for 2024 EU, local elections by May 3 deadline.
• Fidesz accuses opposition of alliance to withhold EU funds from Hungary.
• Anti-govt protest in Budapest on April 26 demands minister's resignation.
• EU Parliament resolution expresses concerns over Hungary's democracy, elections.
• Orbán hopes 2024 US election will change his political fortunes.