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Orban and Magyar Stage Rival Budapest Rallies as Foreign Interference Claims Escalate

The gatherings double as a test of turnout in a race tightened by allegations of outside influence.

People attend a pro-government rally named a 'Peace March' during Hungary's National Day celebrations, which also commemorates the 1848 Hungarian Revolution against Habsburg rule, in Budapest, Hungary, March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Marton Monus
Supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Orban take part in a march in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)
An attendee holds an image of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a pro-government rally named a 'Peace March' during Hungary's National Day celebrations, which also commemorates the 1848 Hungarian Revolution against Habsburg rule, in Budapest, Hungary, March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Marton Monus
People gather for a pro-government rally named a 'Peace March' during Hungary's National Day celebrations, which also commemorates the 1848 Hungarian Revolution against Habsburg rule, in Budapest, Hungary, March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Marton Monus

Overview

  • On Hungary's national day, government supporters hold a 'peace march' to parliament for Viktor Orban's 1 p.m. speech, while Peter Magyar leads a 'national march' to Heroes' Square later in the afternoon.
  • Orban accuses the European Union and Ukraine of aiding the opposition and alleges illegal financing of Tisza, with his government saying it will declassify a security report on the claim.
  • Magyar denies receiving unlawful funds and warns of disinformation efforts, as investigations by VSquare and the Financial Times report covert Russian social media activity benefiting Orban and a Japan Times account describes a freed Ukrainian POW appearing at a pro-government rally.
  • Hungarian authorities last week detained seven Ukrainian bank employees transiting the country and seized cash and gold, an action Budapest linked to a dispute over reopening a Russian oil pipeline.
  • Hungary continues to block a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and hold up a new round of EU sanctions on Russia, extending Budapest's leverage as the campaign enters its final month.