The Man Who Could Topple Orban

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The Man Who Could Topple Orban

How Peter Magyar went from a former Fidesz insider to Hungary’s most popular politician. November 7, 2025, 3:00 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Peter Magyar takes a selfie with a woman in a puffer coat. They are standing in a crowd of people.

When Peter Magyar arrived in Tapiobicske, a sleepy village outside of Budapest, on May 16, dozens of people gathered in the main square to greet him. Some residents gave him flowers, boxes of pastries, or homemade pálinka , a brandy made from fruit. Others waved at him from their windows and gardens, and drivers passing by shouted encouraging words.

“In 11 months, we will be living in a completely different country, a humane Hungary,” Magyar shouted in the square. The small crowd erupted in ch