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Hungary’s parliamentary elections have been set for April 12 amid a wave of personal attacks targeting Peter Magyar, the leader of the surging opposition Tisza Party.
The main opposition candidate, represented by Magyar’s Tisza Party, delivered a speech on social media, addressing an unearthed sex tape that he thinks will be used against his candidacy.
In a video statement issued on Feb. 12 on his social media, Magyar presents and sets out the facts of an alleged “sex tape” which, according to him, will soon be released by individuals linked to the government.
The alleged sex tape features the candidate himself with his former girlfriend in an attempt to discredit him just before the election race is meant to start.
A still from the footage already released appears to show narcotics in the room, which Magya strongly denied, arguing, “ I did not touch the things on the table. I did not use drugs,” even promising further that he was prepared to take on any drug tests to set the record straight.
"That night I didn't realise that I was facing a secret service operation, so I let myself be seduced," Magyar said.
He pointed out that those threats are proof that he just “walked into a classic Russian-style smear operation”.
In order to remove any doubt about his guilt, Peter suggested that “the entire recording made in the room should be released uncut, if possible.”
For its part, the ruling Fidesz party denied any involvement.
The Tisza Party leader does not intend to be blackmailed by those personal attacks; he decided to stand up to the threat and not comply.
According to him, “This despicable attack is just further proof that power is afraid,” he said. “If we stick together, we will win. If we let ourselves be defeated, they will win, and our country will fail."
Those attacks occur at a key moment in the campaign as the Hungarian government is accused of covering up a toxic Samsung battery plant, which would have gravely endangered the lives of its employees.
Added to this is Magyar’s growing support in opinion polls, which some observers note has coincided with increased speculation about the motives behind the personal attacks.
Tisza, founded just two years ago, now leads Fidesz 35% to 28% among decided voters, according to the 21st Research Institute.
A change of government could affect the outcome regarding the relationship with the EU and the stance Hungary has on the Ukrainian war.
Indeed, over the weekend, Tisza party released its 240-page election manifesto entitled "The foundations of a functioning and humane Hungary," whose main points include the idea of combating corruption in Hungary, which is said to be riddled with the ruling elite and government.
Magya even launched a countdown to election day, declaring: "Despite all the meanness, you will not break us,” he said. “There are 59 days left, and we will take back our wonderful homeland.”
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