Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Fidesz party's 31st congress in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 10, 2026. Orban said on Saturday that he is ready to lead the ruling party alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday that he is ready to lead the ruling party alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election.
"After 20 years as prime minister, I am still ready for the task," said Orban at the Fidesz party's 31st congress in Budapest.
The earliest date allowed by Hungarian law for the parliamentary election is April 12. The election is taking place amid a changing political landscape compared to previous election cycles, with recent opinion polls indicating close support between the ruling party and opposition forces.
At the congress, the ruling Fidesz-KDNP party alliance presented its nominees for all 106 single-member constituencies. Orban said the candidates are ready to seek voters' trust and, if elected, to support the government over the next four years.
"Today, the brave women and men who are ready to compete for the confidence of Hungarians are stepping forward," Orban said, adding that the party's national list and its prime ministerial candidate would be announced by Feb. 20.
Orban said the lineup includes 65 incumbent lawmakers and 41 new candidates. He thanked those not seeking re-election, saying they would support younger candidates entering parliament.
He said Hungary needs predictability, security and experience, adding that generational renewal within the party has been carried out in an orderly manner.
Reviewing the government's performance, Orban cited job creation, wage growth and family support policies, and said the government aims to further raise wages in the next term.
Orban urged candidates to engage with voters and address key issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, migration and social policy. He reiterated his opposition to migration and said Hungary would continue to resist pressure related to the European Union's migration pact.
On foreign policy, Orban said the global order is undergoing significant changes, with national interests and bilateral relations gaining importance. He said Hungary had prepared early for these shifts. ■
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Fidesz party's 31st congress in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 10, 2026. Orban said on Saturday that he is ready to lead the ruling party alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Fidesz party's 31st congress in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 10, 2026. Orban said on Saturday that he is ready to lead the ruling party alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Fidesz party's 31st congress in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 10, 2026. Orban said on Saturday that he is ready to lead the ruling party alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
