Hungary heads to polls as Viktor Orban faces possible unseating

Hungary will hold parliamentary elections in nine days, with Viktor Orban seeking another term after 16 years in power. A united opposition coalition is trying to unseat Orban amid widespread concern that he stacked state institutions, the judiciary, and the media in his favor. Critics call Budapest the headquarters of illiberal democracy, framing the vote as a referendum on Orban's model of governance. The outcome will determine Hungary's trajectory within the European Union and influence the strength of populist incumbents across Europe.