Tensions surge in final stretch of Hungarian election – POLITICO

BUDAPEST — Tensions are escalating dramatically in the final stretch of Hungary’s election race as political rivals trade accusations of vote-buying in rural constituencies, illegal wiretapping and interference from Moscow and Kyiv.

Polls suggest that Péter Magyar and his opposition center-right Tisza party could end Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule in the April 12 election, dethroning the EU leader closest to the Kremlin, who has repeatedly blocked EU attempts to support Ukraine.

The campaign has been characterized by bitter allegations from the two camps, and election watchdogs are concerned about the fairness of the contest thanks to Orbán’s grip on state institutions such as the media.