The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has given increasingly critical reports on elections after noting in 2014 that Orban’s ruling party enjoyed an “undue advantage”. Orban has touted the country’s “very strong” democracy, saying his government “very strongly believes in … competition in politics”. Critics accuse these outlets of unquestioningly echoing the government’s narrative, along with the state media. In the lead-up to the vote, Orban’s party used multiple state mailing lists, including that of the tax authority, to spread his campaign messages. Media have reported that several of these associations have been distributing pamphlets in support of ruling party candidates during this campaign.

Source: Bangkok Post April 09, 2026 07:35 UTC