Hungarian Prosecutor Seeks to Lift Immunity of Orban's Rising Rival

In a significant political development in Hungary, the country's chief prosecutor has requested the European Parliament to suspend the parliamentary immunity of Peter Magyar, the primary political opponent of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This move comes as Magyar's newly formed centre-right party gains substantial support, potentially challenging Orban's long-standing rule.

The request, made by Chief Prosecutor Peter Polt, stems from an alleged incident on June 21, 2024. According to Polt's statement, Magyar is accused of taking a cellphone from an individual who had been recording him in a bar and subsequently disposing of it in the Danube River. This action could potentially be classified as theft under Hungarian law.

It's worth noting that Hungary, which joined the European Union in 2004, has seen significant political shifts in recent years. Magyar, a 43-year-old lawyer, entered the political arena in February 2024, quickly becoming a prominent figure in Hungarian politics. His party, Tisza, has gained remarkable traction, with recent polls indicating 39% support among likely voters, closely trailing Orban's Fidesz party at 43%.

The rise of Magyar and his party represents a notable challenge to Viktor Orban's government, which has held power since 2010. Hungary, with its population of approximately 9.7 million, has been under Orban's leadership for four consecutive terms, making this emerging political rivalry particularly significant.

In the June 2024 European Parliament elections, Magyar's Tisza party secured nearly 30% of the votes and seven seats, coming second to Fidesz. Subsequently, Tisza's MEPs, including Magyar, joined the European People's Party group, the largest political group in the European Parliament.

The request to lift Magyar's immunity highlights the complex interplay between national and European politics. Parliamentary immunity, a protection afforded to MEPs, requires the consent of the European Parliament for prosecution. This system, part of the EU's democratic framework, ensures that elected representatives can perform their duties without undue interference.

As Hungary prepares for its next national election, scheduled for early 2026, the political landscape continues to evolve. The country, known for its rich history including 13 Nobel laureates and inventions like the Rubik's Cube, finds itself at a potential crossroads. From its thermal baths to its unique language unrelated to most European tongues, Hungary's cultural heritage forms a backdrop to this unfolding political drama.

"I note that Polt was a founding member of Fidesz."

While Magyar has not directly commented on the alleged phone theft, he has pointed out Polt's connection to Fidesz on social media. This situation underscores the complex relationships within Hungarian politics, reminiscent of the country's transition from communism to democracy in 1989.

As this political saga unfolds along the banks of the Danube, Europe's second-longest river, it remains to be seen how it will impact Hungary's future and its role within the European Union. The coming months may prove crucial in shaping the direction of Hungarian politics and its impact on the broader European landscape.