Amid Mass Protests and Collapsing Polls, Hungary’s Orban Regime Caught Spying for Moscow

Things keep getting worse for Viktor Orbán. Already collapsing in the polls versus a young, fresh-faced party promising to prosecute him for looting Hungary into its position as the fourth-poorest country in Europe, Orbán now finds himself at the center of an espionage outrage. Ukraine has formally accused Hungary’s National Security Service (KNBSZ) of running a covert spy network against Ukraine since 2021—likely at the behest of Orbán’s Russian backers.

Espionage Allegations Escalate Tensions

Ukrainian authorities allege that KNBSZ sought critical military intelligence, including locations of S‑300 air defense systems and troop deployments in Zakarpattia. The Ukrainian government says it possesses photos, videos, intercepted communications, and financial records, with the most recent information transfer documented on March 25, 2025.

To avoid triggering a full diplomatic break, Kyiv stopped short of directly accusing Orbán himself. But the political implications are clear — particularly as Zakarpattia, home to a Hungarian minority, has long featured in Budapest’s nationalist rhetoric.

Orbán’s Domestic Support Crumbles

Meanwhile, Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party is experiencing a dramatic slide in popularity. Polls conducted in early June show Tisza (Respect and Freedom Party), led by Péter Magyar, taking a clear lead:

• Median Poll (June 3–5): Tisza – 42%, Fidesz – 32%
• Publicus Institute (June 4–6): Tisza – 40%, Fidesz – 33%
• 21 Research Center (June 6–8): Tisza – 43%, Fidesz – 31%
• Nézőpont Institute (June 7–9): Tisza – 39%, Fidesz – 34%

(Note: Nézőpont has strong ties to Fidesz and often reports narrower gaps.)

These figures represent a sharp reversal since January 2025, when Fidesz was polling at 44% and Tisza below 30%.

Protest in Budapest — “Feudalism Must Fall”