Péter Magyar says Tisza will win all Csongrád-Csanád districts at Szeged rally ahead of April 12 election

Szeged’s Széchenyi Square filled Monday evening as Péter Magyar, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Tisza Party, told supporters his party would win all four constituencies in Csongrád-Csanád County in Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary election.

Supporters filled Széchenyi Square in central Szeged and the surrounding grassy areas, with attendees ranging from high school students to retirees. Some had traveled from other parts of Csongrád-Csanád County and from across the border in Vojvodina to attend the Tisza Party campaign rally. The event began with a slight delay as Magyar arrived from an earlier stop in Makó, part of his nationwide tour ahead of Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary election.

Opening his address, Magyar said that two years ago he would not have imagined Tisza becoming what he called “Hungary’s strongest and best-prepared political community.” With fewer than 50 days remaining until the vote, he framed the election as a decisive choice between what he described as corruption and clean public life, and between “propaganda” and truth.

Signature drive and campaign momentum

Turning to the campaign itself, Magyar highlighted the party’s recent signature collection effort — a legal requirement for candidates to appear on the ballot in Hungary’s parliamentary elections. He said that in some locations supporters had waited up to 90 minutes to sign nomination sheets for Tisza candidates. Under Hungarian election law, individual candidates must collect a required number of voter signatures in their constituencies in order to run.

He went on to criticize the governing Fidesz party and named local representatives Béla Mihálffy (KDNP) and Levente Farkas (Fidesz), questioning their record on environmental issues, public health and economic policy. At one point, he declared that Tisza would win all four constituencies in the county.

During the speech, a man in the crowd shouted toward the stage. Magyar referred to him as a Fidesz supporter, though this could not be independently verified from the square. The brief exchange was quickly incorporated into Magyar’s remarks, and he used the moment to continue criticizing Fidesz before returning to his prepared themes. The rally itself continued without interruption.

At several points during the evening, supporters in the audience shouted comments or slogans. Later, when some began chanting an anti-Fidesz slogan, Magyar stopped them and urged the crowd not to engage in hostile rhetoric, saying the Tisza community “is better than this” and does not build its politics on hatred.

Local candidates focus on healthcare, infrastructure, and BYD

Magyar then introduced Tisza’s two local parliamentary candidates: political scientist Péter Stumpf in the Csongrád-Csanád 1 district and teacher and coach Attila Gajda in the Csongrád-Csanád 2 district.

Stumpf focused on healthcare and environmental oversight. He called for the renovation of outdated buildings at the University of Szeged’s clinical center and said operations at the new BYD electric vehicle plant in Szeged must adhere to strict environmental and public health standards. He also proposed establishing a dedicated environmental ministry and authority, referencing concerns raised in connection with battery plant developments elsewhere in Hungary.

Gajda emphasized infrastructure and regional development. He spoke about long-standing plans for a third bridge in Szeged, describing it as essential not only for the city but for commuting and economic growth across the region. He said the project must be implemented transparently and within clear deadlines. He also highlighted water retention challenges in the Homokhátság area, calling for concrete measures.

Election context

Hungary’s parliamentary election is scheduled for April 12. Voters will cast ballots for individual constituency candidates as well as national party lists. The party or coalition securing a parliamentary majority will form the next government. If Tisza were to win a majority, Magyar would become prime minister.

Throughout the evening, Magyar described the election as a decisive moment for the country and urged supporters to turn out in large numbers.

Among those attending were two elderly women who told Szegedify they believe the current government has committed “many awful things” and said the weeks leading up to the vote would feel long. Several younger attendees said they were encouraging classmates and friends to participate in the election.

The Szeged rally formed part of Magyar’s 55-day national campaign tour, which continues in the coming weeks ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched election season in Hungary.

Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify