Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza Party, delivered a scathing critique of the current political establishment and presented some clues to his party's election programme, with a focus on tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

"The past year was about the fight between light and darkness. Tisza Party represents hope for many millions of Hungarians wanting to see change," Magyar began his speech at the first party congress, held under the motto "Back to Europe”, signalling a 180-degree turnaround from the policies of Viktor Orban.

The one-day event, held at Budapest's premier conference venue, the Hungexpo, was meticulously organised, showcasing a high level of professionalism. It provided Peter Magyar with the opportunity to present his movement as a credible alternative to the ruling Fidesz party, just one year before the crucial election.

The high-profile event also gave Magyar the opportunity to unveil new key figures joining his movement, including the former chief of staff and the former head of Hungary's Olympic Committee. The rally featured a thoughtfully curated lineup of speakers, along with a roundtable discussion focused on the farming sector and issues related to the European Parliament (EP), further emphasising the party's vision and priorities.

Magyar likened the current political system to a "torpedo that aims to sink Hungary's ship" and compared the prime minister to Hungary’s last communist party chief, Janos Kadar, at the demise of the party state. He accused the Fidesz leadership and the prime minister of being disconnected from the reality faced by Hungarian households.

"We must block the Orban plan that aims to push the country into further debt, allow the privatisation of state-run public healthcare, and raise the retirement age", he argued.

Among his political pledges, Magyar vowed to establish an independent judiciary, reopen the secret service agent files from the communist regime and he pledged to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Magyar outlined a series of significant reforms his Tisza Party would implement if elected, focusing on rigorous anti-graft measures, including mandatory wealth audits – extending even to the prime minister. The crowd cheered after Magyar announced his plans, particularly in light of the scathing documentary recently aired on YouTube about the enrichment of the Orban family.

Tisza would introduce a wealth increase tax on assets exceeding HUF10bn (€25mn) and establish a Stability Fund from recovered assets of Fidesz cronies. Hungarian entrepreneurs returning from abroad would receive tax exemptions, face lower red tape.

Magyar also dedicated ample time to addressing pensioners, a critical demographic where the ruling nationalists still hold a majority. He pledged to maintain the 13th-month pension – relaunched by Fidesz before the 2022 elections – and introduce pension supplements to ensure a dignified standard of living for retirees. Additionally, he promised to build retirement homes and rehabilitation institutes using both state and EU funding to improve care and support for the elderly.

Magyar also emphasised the need for rural development, announcing plans to establish a stand-alone Rural Development Ministry that would focus on supporting regional communities and addressing rural challenges. He promised to channel more funding to Hungary’s underfinanced health sector and educational sector, and set up separate ministries. The autonomy of schools and universities would be restored. 

In his closing remarks, the 43-year-old former Fidesz cadre reached out directly to Fidesz supporters, urging them to join his cause in the fight for a "free and independent Hungary." He positioned his party as a unifying force for those dissatisfied with the current regime, offering an alternative path that promises a government that serves the interests of ordinary Hungarians, not just the political elite.

By having Krisztian Kulcsar, the former head of the Hungarian Olympic Committee in the Tisza camp, highlights Magyar’s efforts to reclaim the narrative in a field that Viktor Orban has designated as a strategic area and leveraged for political purposes.

The symbolic inclusion of former Chief of Staff Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi allowed him to address military issues, migration, and the Russia-Ukraine war, helping Magyar steer clear of divisive campaign topics while countering government criticism.

Fidesz quickly hit back at its opponent with a 90-second campaign video titled "Brussels Peter Always Plays for Whoever Pays Him." The ad portrays Peter Magyar as a former Fidesz insider, showing him applauding one of Viktor Orban's speeches in the past and then appearing in a friendly exchange with Manfred Weber, the head of the European People's Party. The message is clear: Magyar is an opportunist willing to shift his ideology for financial or political gain. Fidesz will most likely use this narrative to depict Magyar as the puppet of Brussels.

However, as some analysts noted, by attacking Magyar's past ties to Fidesz, the ruling party risks weakening its own narrative. So far, smear campaigns against the former Fidesz insider have only made him and his party stronger.

Meanwhile, Viktor Orban is set to deliver his annual state-of-the-nation speech next Saturday, a key event where he traditionally lays out his political agenda for the year.