Thousands protest against Hungary PM Viktor Orban in ruling party’s stronghold

People attend an anti-government protest led by former government insider and leader of the Respect and Freedom (TISZA) Party Peter Magyar, in Debrecen, Hungary, May 5, 2024. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Boldizsar Gyori

Thousands of Hungarians protested against nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a rally on Sunday weeks ahead of European Parliament and local elections due in early June.

Peter Magyar, a former government insider seen by some observers as the first serious threat in years to Orban, staged the rally attended by around 10,000 people in the eastern town of Debrecen, a stronghold of the ruling Fidesz party.