Hungary's Election: Orbán vs Magyar

0:00Hungarians hit the polls today for a parliamentary election that could boot Victor Orban after 16 years in charge. His challenger, Peter Magyar, a former insider from Orban's own Fidesz party, leads in most polls with his center-right Tisza party. This vote might flip the country's ties with the European Union, Moscow, and Washington. Orban's pushed hard on the Ukraine war as Hungary's top threat, claiming only he can keep peace. Magyar's hammered domestic fixes like fighting corruption, mending EU bonds, and boosting rundown public services. His team held up to six rallies a day across the nation. Right-wing leaders worldwide rallied for Orban with US Vice President JD Vance visiting Budapest this week to boost his campaign. Donald Trump backed him on social media, promising economic muscle if he wins. Italy's Georgia Maloney and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu showed support too. Orban built what critics call an illiberal system. Over a decade, tweaking election rules, controlling 80% of media, and silencing dissent.

1:05Voters are split some swear by his supermajority streaks since 2010. Others since fatigue and back Magyar's message of hope over fear. Allegations of Russian meddling and leaked chat swirl, including one where Orban seemed to pledge service to Putin. Undecided folks and expats could tip the scales amid vote-buying worries. Whatever happens, this showdown's got the global far right on edge, eyeing Hungary's next move. I'm Corey with The Story, that's your Sydney News Today update, AI-powered and always on.