Viktor Orban’s strongest rival brings thousands of Hungarians to the streets against the Hungarian Prime Minister

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces an increasingly difficult political situation as his former ally Peter Magyar continues anti-government activity and continues to rally thousands of disgruntled people to protests. Thousands of Hungarians took to the streets on Saturday against the government, reports Reuters.

Peter Magyar, a former member of the government, considered by some observers to be the first serious threat to Orban in years, organized the protest attended by about 10,000 people in the eastern city of Debrecen, an electoral stronghold of the party of government, Fidesz.

Fidesz candidates have won the city since the late 1990s. In the last election, the ruling party won about 60% of the vote, while opposition parties only won about a third of the vote.

Addressing his flag-waving supporters, Magyar took aim at one of Orban’s core policies, criticizing what he called the extremely low level of child support allowances in Hungary. “If you tell this story anywhere in Europe, no one will believe you,” Magyar said.

Orban says that, among EU countries, Hungary spends the largest part of its economy on supporting families. “We need a completely new system where social support is really targeted based on social needs,” Magyar said.

He said Hungary was run by what he called a well-connected elite, which he would try to eliminate if elected.

International observers claim that Orban directed European Union funds to businessmen close to Fidesz in order to stay in power. Orban says that Hungary is no more corrupt than other countries.

The control body in charge of overseeing EU funds states that it does not have the necessary authority to denounce possible violations and has requested additional powers.

Editor: Adrian Dumitru

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