On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Fidesz anti-war rally series continued at the Városi Sportcsarnok in Békéscsaba, known as the Digitális Polgári Körök (DPK) meeting. Initially, the invitation only hinted that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán would address the gathered audience. However, Lázár János, the Minister of Construction and Transport, had already revealed during a Lázárinfó event in Makó the previous day that he would also be present at the Békéscsaba gathering.
Upon arriving in the city, it was evident that things had changed compared to previous rallies. The official campaign for the April 12 parliamentary elections had started at midnight on February 20, with posters of Takács Árpád, the Fidesz candidate for the Békés 1 constituency, visible on nearly every lamppost and fence. Unfortunately, it was not possible to ascertain when the campaign posters were put up or how many people were involved in this effort, but it was clear that they had made their presence felt.
At the sports hall, reporters noted fewer barricades compared to earlier events. The previously mentioned black material was also absent, allowing virtually anyone to approach the entry point. Notably, only those who had registered were permitted entry, according to the staff at the entrance. This raised questions, as previously attendees brought their online registration papers for entry, but it seemed this practice had changed.
A separate registration tent had been set up behind the sports hall, prompting inquiries about the current entry policy. A representative clarified that while the back entrance had been opened for quicker access, the event still primarily welcomed registered DPK members. The registration tent was created to assist those who could not bring their printed invitations to gain entry.
Returning to the area outside the sports hall, a female organizer mentioned that the rally had reached a new level with the campaign’s launch. Takács Árpád, who spoke at the event, had his posters displayed around the hall. A National Petition signature collection point and a stand for local Fidesz candidate Kónya István had also been established.
“It’s like Nescafé, three in one, right?” joked a guide as they directed attendees to sign in support of the government candidates and protest against support for Ukraine. Given that the war was a central theme, reporters asked several attendees about Hungary’s recent decision to halt diesel shipments to Kyiv and attempts to block a €90 billion aid package to Ukraine until the country resumes operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
It was perhaps not surprising that every person interviewed agreed that the Hungarian government was acting correctly, stating that “you can’t talk to these filthy bastards” otherwise. Respondents expressed that Ukrainians were interfering in the Hungarian elections and attempting to coerce Hungary into not obstructing Ukraine’s accession to the EU and the sending of aid to the war-torn country. “Zelensky’s plan backfired a bit, didn’t it?” asked one man with a smile, suggesting that Ukrainians would learn not to mess with Hungarians.
One woman approached to express her view that the Tisza Party should not be voted for, as having a “captured person” at the helm would not allow Hungary to remain out of the war even if the Hungarian people wanted it. She emphasized that those with children or grandchildren should think about them and not allow Hungary to enter into war again. When asked about the Fidesz’s new AI video featuring a girl crying at home as her father is executed at the front, she replied that while she had not seen it, she believed it was entirely conceivable and must be prevented at all costs.
Interestingly, the much-discussed video, labeled by many as “fear-mongering,” seemed to have largely escaped the attention of the people of Békéscsaba. Not only locals were present at the rally. An older gentleman mentioned he had been in Vas County the day before, where he had been caught in the snow and caught a cold; he had made his way to Békéscsaba to hear Prime Minister Orbán speak. He stated it was not “too far” to hear the motivation that “only the Prime Minister can provide.”
Only two individuals managed to discuss the viral video with reporters; however, they expressed no problems with it, asserting that it was not fear-mongering but a “dark vision that unfortunately is getting closer to reality.” When asked what nationality the soldier executing the father in the video might be, one quickly responded that it was Ukrainian. “So we would be fighting on the side of the Russians?” was met with the answer that of course not, since the EU wants to support the Ukrainians with Western troops. Yet, as Prime Minister Orbán stated, “the Ukrainians hate the Hungarians; they would be the ones to execute the Hungarians.” After this, the individual hurried off to the hall, leaving the question unanswered.
The other person stated that it was not important what nationality the soldier was but rather that this could happen to Hungarian citizens, which is the real threat and danger. They added that they were aware that a country at war could not be accepted into the EU. However, they heard reports that “Brussels is willing to rewrite every rule, even taking away our veto right” to support the war. When asked whether the EU supports war or defense, they diplomatically replied that it was completely irrelevant if both resulted in people dying.
As the Fidesz campaign continues to unfold, the implications of these sentiments and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will likely remain a focal point in the lead-up to the elections. The government’s stance against Ukraine and the public’s reactions reveal deep-rooted sentiments that could influence voter behavior in the upcoming polls. Observers will be keen to observe how this narrative evolves as the election date approaches, especially given the charged atmosphere surrounding the ongoing war.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the government’s approach to the Ukraine conflict and its implications for Hungary’s future.