Allegations of Blackmail Surface as Hungary's Election Approaches

Sat Feb 14 2026 12:15:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Opposition leader Peter Magyar claims his rivals are plotting to blackmail him with a secretly recorded tape, escalating tensions in the run-up to Hungary's elections.

Peter Magyar, leading in polls ahead of Hungary's elections, has accused his competitors of attempting to blackmail him with a purportedly secretly recorded sex tape. He suspects the release of the tape is intended to undermine his candidacy and has filed a complaint. The claims come amid an escalating political environment as the polls draw near, and various reactions emerge from members of the ruling party, Fidesz. Despite denying knowledge of the claims, tensions are high as Magyar positions himself against incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Less than two months before Hungary's election, opposition leader Peter Magyar has accused his rivals of planning to blackmail him with a secretly recorded sex tape, and says he is filing a complaint with authorities.

Magyar, who leads long-time Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the polls, suspects that plans are afoot to release a tape from August 2024, when he engaged in consensual relations with a now ex-girlfriend at a party. His accusations came after a photo was posted online featuring a bedroom from that time.

Leading figures in Orban's Fidesz party claim they are unaware of any such plans, with Magyar accusing them of timing their campaign to coincide with the beginning of his own nationwide campaign and attempting to disrupt his personal life with his children as the election approaches.

Although no video has been made public, Magyar suggested one could have been recorded with secret service equipment and possibly faked. He is attempting to navigate rampant speculation and concern over the implications of such strategies as Fidesz ramps up its campaign, which has focused on attacking the European Union.

In recent remarks, US President Donald Trump praised Orban, claiming he is a truly strong and powerful leader. The political landscape in Hungary promises to become even more tumultuous as allegations of dirty tricks emerge, with Magyar's party—the centre-right Tisza party—currently leading by a notable margin in opinion polls.

Magyar has expressed his intention to reset relations with Hungary's European partners, advocating for a shift in national policies that have fostered controversy under Orban's long-standing leadership.