What Change Means for Hungarians

Ahead of one of Hungary’s most closely watched elections in years, this report follows two voters with very different views of the country’s future.

In rural Hungary, Szofia, a horseradish farmer, wants change after years of rising costs and pressure on family farms. In Budapest, Ishtvan, a Viktor Orbán supporter, sees stability and protection as the country’s priority.

The result is a ground-level portrait of a divided electorate, shaped by the economy, the war in Ukraine, and Hungary’s relationship with Europe.