PUSZTAVACS: In the village of Pusztavacs in central Hungary, election posters on electricity poles remind voters of a looming poll, where nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s future is on the line.
Small towns, villages and hamlets — home to around half of the central European nation’s 9.5 million people — have long been the bastion of the ruling Fidesz party. And analysts say the April 12 election will be decided in the countryside.
But the rise of charismatic challenger Peter Magyar — whose party is leading in opinion polls — has shaken Orban’s hold on the countryside in what has been dubbed a rural “political awakening” against a backdrop of economic stagnation and high-profile scandals.
“I’m really worried about which one would be better... I’ll keep racking my brain about it,” Eva Batta told AFP near the grocery store at the edge of Pusztavacs.
The 71-year-old, who can no longer work to supplement her pension after surgery, said she feels the economy has worsened during Orban’s latest term.
