Budapest – After 16 years of Viktor Orbán's increasingly authoritarian rule, a generation of young Hungarians is poised to reclaim their future. The upcoming elections on April 12 represent a critical juncture, with polls indicating that 65% of voters under 30 are determined to vote against Orbán, signaling a powerful rejection of his “illiberal democracy.”

Orbán's government has presided over a period of declining press freedoms, rampant corruption, and growing economic inequality, leaving many young people feeling trapped and disenfranchised. This has fueled a growing movement for change, driven by a generation that has never known a Hungary without Orbán.

Ákos, a 20-year-old aspiring teacher, embodies the hopes and frustrations of this generation. He dreams of working and teaching in Hungary, but fears that the current political climate will prevent him from realizing his ambitions. “If things remain the same, or get even worse, I can’t see a future here,” he laments, echoing the concerns of many young people who feel forced to consider leaving their homeland.

Boldi, a 22-year-old student, highlights the lack of opportunities and stalled social mobility that plague Hungary under Orbán's rule. “I think anything is better than a party that had 16 years to change things and just made it worse,” Boldi asserts, reflecting a widespread belief that Orbán's policies have failed to address the needs of young people.

The rise of Péter Magyar, a former member of Orbán's Fidesz party, presents an unprecedented opportunity to challenge Orbán's grip on power. Magyar's campaign focuses on tackling economic stagnation, strengthening social services, and combating corruption – issues that resonate deeply with young voters who have borne the brunt of Orbán's policies.

While Orbán attempts to deflect criticism by scapegoating Ukraine and stoking nationalist sentiments, young Hungarians are increasingly focused on the real challenges facing their country: economic hardship, limited opportunities, and a deteriorating social safety net. Betti, a 24-year-old cashier, witnesses the rising cost of living firsthand and expresses dismay at those who fall for the government's propaganda.

The shift in young voters away from Fidesz represents a significant turning point in Hungarian politics. Nóra Schultz, a Budapest-based political analyst, emphasizes the irony of this shift, noting that Fidesz was originally founded by pro-democracy youth. The fact that young people are now leading the charge against Orbán underscores the extent to which his government has betrayed its original principles.