BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Sunday the 2026 election would offer Hungarians a choice between a party prepared to go-it-alone or one that would usher in “chaos and poverty” by aligning Hungary more closely with the European Union.

In power since 2010, the euroskeptic nationalist faces what political analysts say could be his toughest election next year, with the economy stagnating and stubborn inflation preventing interest rate cuts from the EU’s joint-highest 6.5% level.

Orban, who said the EU was at risk of falling apart over the next decade, is looking to fend off a challenge from centre-right challenger Peter Magyar with tax cuts for families, food vouchers for pensioners and cheap loans for first-home buyers.

“Hungary has only two choices in a strategic

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