Hungarian Politics

[Sheilbh]

Relatively cheap labour would be an incentive for some, I suppose, and a very strong agricultural sector.

Also strong industrial sector (about 30% of GDP so one of the highest in Europe) - initially from integration into German industrial supply chains (why the CDU-CSU was historically quite protective of Fidesz's place in the EPP etc). But increasingly also with Chinese firms as an EU/single market entrepot.

If Magyar wins I think it's interesting in relation to the narrative that the only way to beat right populists is a bold progressive platform. It think Magyar points to perhaps a more tradtional view of trying to build a big tent. Maybe there isn't "an" answer that's one size fits all but will vary country by country. And I can't help but think that the common theme is perhaps that that side of strategy matters less than finding the right leader who can do communication well - which is something I find slightly worrying as it seems to me it just reinforces the personalist trend in politics which I think the right (and other) populists also significantly benefits from.

[DGuller]

Az of 5pm local time, voter turnout is the largest ever, a bit over 74%

When are we going to start knowing results?

[Tamas]

Az of 5pm local time, voter turnout is the largest ever, a bit over 74%

When are we going to start knowing results?

11pm local time that's 9pm gmt. I mean those should be final or near-final results

[Tonitrus]

Az of 5pm local time, voter turnout is the largest ever, a bit over 74%

Is that good or bad? (I mean, if you're stuffing ballot boxes, that would raise "turnout".  )

[HVC]

Az of 5pm local time, voter turnout is the largest ever, a bit over 74%

Is that good or bad? (I mean, if you're stuffing ballot boxes, that would raise "turnout".  )

That was my first thought too.

[garbon]

Or people think there is actually a chance for change, so worth turning out to vote.

[Tonitrus]

I hope that's it.

[Valmy]

Early results look good. I see Bibi endorsed Orban, which just shows his much Israel cares about anti-Semitism.

[Valmy]

Damn this is kind of looking like an ass kicking, pleasantly surprised Orban is letting this happen.

[Tamas]

Yeah very early, partial results show Magyar's party very strong in districts where analysts expected an easy Fidesz victory.

I am listening to analysts that this means the only open question should be whether Tisza gets an absolute majority or not. Victory itself should be beyond doubt.

[Tamas]

At 45% nation-wide processing, Tisza has 2/3rd majority. It's a rout so far.

[Tamas]

Orbán has called Magyar to congratulate and has had a short concession speech.

The big question remains if Magyar gets absolute majority. If not, Orbán's vassals, entrenched in critical positions for years more, can disable the country.

[Duque de Bragança]

Early results look good. I see Bibi endorsed Orban, which just shows his much Israel cares about anti-Semitism.

OTOH, BHL endorsed Magyar.

[Tamas]

At 81% processed Tisza is at 138 seats, Fidesz at 94. Only other party who has made it in are the proper nazis, with 7.

135 seats are needed for absolute majority.

[Zanza]

Excellent. I hope Magyar can heal the damage Orban did.

Over the last sixteen years, Hungary has become the poorest EU country and a lackey of Russia.