Tens of thousands to attend rival rallies as Hungary's election campaign kicks off

"Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out for rival rallies by Viktor Orban's ruling party and his main opponent as they kick off campaigning for elections next year in a highly polarised political climate. The anniversary on Thursday of Hungary's thwarted 1956 uprising against Soviet rule holds a central place in the ideology of the populist far-right Fidesz party, which was once firmly anti-Soviet but has grown closer to Russia under Orban."

"Hailed by the party as a peace march, the rally was dealt a blow this week when it emerged that a Budapest meeting that had been mooted between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin and touted as a personal triumph by Orban would not be taking place. As it snakes its way through the capital, the ruling party's rally will have to bypass another demonstration, that of"

Tens of thousands are expected to attend rival rallies as campaigning begins for next April's election in a polarised Hungarian political climate. The anniversary of the 1956 uprising occupies a central place in Fidesz ideology, which has shifted from anti-Soviet roots toward closer ties with Russia under Viktor Orban. Fidesz says it expects a record turnout and that Orban will address supporters at parliament. A planned Budapest meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, touted by Orban, will not take place. The ruling party's march must bypass a demonstration by Peter Magyar, whose Tisza party is neck-and-neck with Fidesz in polls. Around one in four voters remain undecided or unwilling to declare affiliation.

Read at www.theguardian.com