Hungary's main political parties - 2025

The main political parties include Fidesz – Hungarian Civic Alliance, Tisza – Respect and Freedom Party, Democratic Coalition, Hungarian Socialist Party, Momentum Movement, Jobbik (Movement for a Better Hungary), and Our Homeland Movement. Each party has a unique history, ideological foundation, and policy platform, shaping the country’s political discourse.

1. Fidesz – Hungarian Civic Alliance

History

Founded in 1988 as the Alliance of Young Democrats, Fidesz initially emerged as a liberal, anti-communist movement opposing the ruling Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party. Initially restricting membership to those under 35, it joined the Liberal International in 1992. By 1993, under Viktor Orbán’s leadership, Fidesz shifted from liberalism to a civic-centrist ideology, later adopting national-conservative principles. Renamed the Hungarian Civic Party in 1995 and the Hungarian Civic Alliance in 2003, Fidesz has governed Hungary since 2010, securing supermajorities in the 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 elections, often in coalition with the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP) (Fidesz Wikipedia).

Ideology

Fidesz is a national-conservative, right-wing populist party, with some sources describing it as illiberal. It emphasizes Hungarian sovereignty, traditional family values, and cultural heritage, often positioning itself against perceived external influences, particularly from the European Union.

Key Policies

• National Identity: Promotes policies reinforcing Hungarian cultural and historical identity, including support for traditional family structures.

• Economic Nationalism: Implements measures to bolster Hungarian businesses and reduce foreign economic influence.

• Constitutional Reforms: Has enacted controversial constitutional and legal changes, criticized for consolidating power and limiting media freedom (Freedom House 2024).

• Foreign Policy: Maintains a skeptical stance toward EU integration, advocating for national sovereignty while engaging with non-Western powers.

Representation

As of 2024, Fidesz holds 116 seats in the National Assembly and 10 seats in the European Parliament, affiliated with the Patriots for Europe group (List of Political Parties).

2. Tisza – Respect and Freedom Party

History

Founded in 2020 by Péter Magyar, a former government insider, Tisza – Respect and Freedom Party gained prominence in the 2024 European Parliament elections, securing 29.6% of the vote and becoming the leading opposition party. Magyar, leveraging public discontent with both Fidesz and traditional opposition parties, positioned Tisza as a new political force. The party’s name, derived from the Tisza River, symbolizes respect (tisztelet) and freedom (szabadság) (Tisza Party Wikipedia).

Ideology

Tisza is a centre-right, Christian democratic, and conservative party, often described as centrist and anti-establishment. It aims to unite conservatives, liberals, and social democrats under a shared Hungarian identity, advocating for a “third political force” to challenge Fidesz’s dominance.

Key Policies

• Pro-European Stance: Strongly supports European integration and EU membership, contrasting with Fidesz’s Euroscepticism.

• Anti-Establishment: Seeks to dismantle Fidesz’s “System of National Cooperation,” which it views as a mechanism for societal control.

• Free Speech: Defends freedom of expression, particularly in response to government actions against dissenters (Heinrich Böll Stiftung).

• Broad Appeal: Targets a diverse voter base, including urban and rural populations, with a focus on political renewal.

Representation

Tisza holds 7 seats in the European Parliament, affiliated with the European People’s Party, but has no seats in the National Assembly as of 2024 (List of Political Parties).

3. Democratic Coalition (DK)

History

The Democratic Coalition was established in 2011 by Ferenc Gyurcsány, former Prime Minister and leader of the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP). Gyurcsány left MSZP after failing to unify the party around his vision for a broader centre-left coalition. DK quickly became a significant opposition force, particularly after the 2022 parliamentary elections (Democratic Coalition Wikipedia).

Ideology

DK is a social-democratic and social-liberal party with a strong pro-European orientation. It supports Third Way politics, blending market-oriented policies with social welfare initiatives.

Key Policies

• Social Market Economy: Advocates for a balanced economy combining free-market principles with robust welfare programs.

• European Federalism: Supports a “United States of Europe,” proposing EU-wide policies like minimum pensions and wages (Democratic Coalition Wikipedia).

• Anti-Fidesz Advocacy: Actively criticizes Fidesz’s governance, focusing on issues like corruption and democratic backsliding.

• Social Welfare: Proposes increased taxation on multinational corporations to fund social programs.

Representation

DK holds 16 seats in the National Assembly and 2 seats in the European Parliament, affiliated with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (List of Political Parties).

4. Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP)

History

Founded in 1989 as the successor to the Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party (MSZMP), the ruling communist party until 1989, MSZP was a dominant force in Hungarian politics alongside Fidesz until 2010. Its influence waned after the 2006 protests, triggered by Gyurcsány’s Őszöd speech, and the 2008 financial crisis (Hungarian Socialist Party Wikipedia).

Ideology

MSZP is a centre-left to left-wing, social-democratic, and pro-European party. It distinguishes itself from conservative parties by rejecting Hungarian nationalism and prioritizing social equity.

Key Policies

• Social Welfare: Emphasizes workers’ rights, healthcare, and education funding.

• Pro-Europeanism: Supports deeper EU integration and alignment with European social-democratic values.

• Anti-Nationalism: Opposes policies promoting ethnic or cultural exclusivity, advocating for inclusivity (Britannica MSZP).

• Economic Equity: Focuses on reducing income inequality through progressive taxation and social programs.

Representation

MSZP holds 10 seats in the National Assembly and no seats in the European Parliament as of 2024 (List of Political Parties).

5. Momentum Movement

History

Founded in 2017, Momentum Movement gained national attention through its NOlimpia campaign, which collected over 266,151 signatures to demand a referendum on Budapest’s 2024 Summer Olympics bid, leading to its cancellation. The party has since built a national network, appealing particularly to younger, urban voters (Momentum Movement Wikipedia).

Ideology

Momentum is a centrist, liberal, and progressive party, rejecting traditional left-right classifications. It promotes bipartisan cooperation and a “positive national consciousness” that embraces multiculturalism.

Key Policies

• Progressive Social Policies: Supports same-sex marriage, cannabis decriminalization, and abortion rights.

• Anti-Corruption: Advocates for transparency and accountability in governance, targeting systemic corruption.

• Pro-Europeanism: Strongly supports EU membership and Western democratic values (Momentum Website).

• Modernization: Seeks to modernize Hungary’s political and economic systems, appealing to a new generation.

Representation

Momentum holds 10 seats in the National Assembly and no seats in the European Parliament, affiliated with the Renew Europe group (List of Political Parties).

6. Jobbik (Movement for a Better Hungary)

History

Founded in 2003 as the Movement for a Better Hungary, Jobbik initially gained prominence for its far-right, nationalist, and anti-Semitic rhetoric, becoming the third-largest party in 2010 and second-largest in 2014. Under Gábor Vona’s leadership, it began moderating its ideology in 2016, adopting “modern conservatism.” Internal divisions led to the departure of radical members, forming Our Homeland Movement in 2018 (Jobbik Wikipedia).

Ideology

Originally far-right and nationalist, Jobbik now identifies as a “modern conservative” party, focusing on social issues and anti-corruption. Some critics question the sincerity of this shift, citing its historical extremism (Counter Extremism Project).

Key Policies

• National Unity: Promotes cooperation among Hungarians across political divides, referencing historical figures like István Széchenyi.

• Anti-Corruption: Targets public sector corruption, aligning with broader opposition goals.

• Social Justice: Advocates for policies addressing economic and social inequalities.

• Moderated Nationalism: Has softened its stance on issues like immigration and minority rights, though skepticism persists.

Representation

Jobbik holds 9 seats in the National Assembly and no seats in the European Parliament as of 2024 (List of Political Parties).

7. Our Homeland Movement (Mi Hazánk)

History

Founded in 2018 by László Toroczkai, former Jobbik vice-president, Our Homeland Movement emerged as a far-right splinter group after Jobbik’s ideological moderation. It gained traction in the 2022 parliamentary election, securing nearly 6% of the vote and becoming the third-largest party (Our Homeland Movement Wikipedia).

Ideology

Mi Hazánk is a far-right, nationalist, and right-wing populist party, often described as extremist or neo-fascist by media. It positions itself as a “third way,” opposing both Fidesz and the left-wing opposition.

Key Policies

• Hungarian Nationalism: Promotes ethnic Hungarian identity and irredentist claims, opposing multiculturalism.

• Social Conservatism: Opposes gay rights and supports traditional values, including reintroducing the death penalty.

• Euroscepticism: Criticizes EU policies and advocates for national sovereignty (Historica Wiki).

• International Alliances: Engages with European far-right parties, such as Alternative for Germany and Forum for Democracy.

Representation

Mi Hazánk holds 6 seats in the National Assembly and 1 seat in the European Parliament, affiliated with the Europe of Sovereign Nations group (List of Political Parties).

Political Landscape and Dynamics

Hungary’s political system is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the prime minister as the head of government and the president holding a largely ceremonial role. Fidesz’s dominance since 2010, bolstered by constitutional changes, has led to criticisms of democratic backsliding, with the EU labeling Hungary as no longer a full democracy in 2024 (Politics of Hungary Wikipedia). Opposition parties, including Tisza, DK, and Momentum, have struggled to form a unified front, though Tisza’s rise suggests a potential shift toward a two-party system (GIS Reports).

Representation Table (as of 2024)

Source: List of Political Parties in Hungary

Conclusion

The main political parties in Hungary as of 2025 reflect a diverse and polarized political landscape. Fidesz’s national-conservative dominance contrasts with the pro-European and liberal agendas of Tisza, DK, and Momentum, while Jobbik and Our Homeland Movement cater to varying degrees of nationalist sentiment. The rise of Tisza, in particular, signals a potential realignment in Hungarian politics, challenging Fidesz’s long-standing grip on power. Understanding these parties’ histories, ideologies, and policies provides critical insight into Hungary’s complex political dynamics in 2025.