Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is facing the biggest test of his government yet, as an energy crisis triggered by the partial shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant threatens to disrupt supply during peak summer demand.
All but one reactor has been taken offline because of record-low water levels in the Danube, which the plant relies on for cooling. Should water levels fall further, the plant could be forced to shut down entirely for the first time since it opened 42 years ago – raising the prospect of blackouts and electricity restrictions during the high season.
For Magyar, who won April's election and took office in May, managing the crisis marks his first major political test.
"The current situation can turn out to be either a threat to the reputation of the new Hungarian government or, in fact, an opportunity to strengthen the perception of an efficient crisis manager in Hungarian society," said Dániel Hegedűs, deputy director of the Institut für Europäische Politik.
According to the latest opinion poll from the Republikon Institute, Magyar's Tisza Party held a commanding lead in July, with 58% support. The opposition Fidesz Party, led by former prime minister Viktor Orbán, trailed on 20%.
