Domestic Rivalry vs. European Consensus

Although Fidesz-KDNP,  the Tisza Party, and Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland) are fierce domestic rivals ahead of Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections, on March 26 they showed clear alignment on a major
European issue. In the European Parliament, MEPs voted 389 to 206, with 32
abstentions, to advance negotiations on the EU’s new “Returns Regulation.” According
to Hungarian reporting, all three parties supported the measure.

The EU Returns Regulation Explained

The Returns Regulation aims to create a more unified system for returning third-country
nationals who are illegally staying in the EU and to allow broader mutual recognition of
return decisions across member states. The legislation addresses one of the EU’s most
sensitive migration issues and carries significant implications for both Brussels and
Hungarian domestic politics.

A Temporary Alignment, Not a Partnership

It is important to note that this joint vote does not constitute a permanent alliance
between the three parties. The clearest interpretation is that they only aligned on this
specific migration issue. Fidesz, Tisza, and Mi Hazánk converged on border control,
deportations, and irregular migration, but this does not alter the fact that they remain
political rivals at home.

Hungarian Parties in the European Context

The vote’s political significance lies in demonstrating that Hungary’s domestic
adversaries can cooperate on a critical European decision. According to Telex, the
overwhelming majority of MEPs in the delegations of Tisza (EPP-affiliated), Fidesz-
KDNP (linked to Patriots for Europe), and Mi Hazánk (ESN-affiliated) voted in favor. For
a moment, three parties from across the Hungarian political spectrum found themselves
part of the same parliamentary majority on one of the EU’s toughest migration issues.

The Broader European Trend

The broader European context also matters. The vote was supported by a right-leaning
coalition stretching from the center-right to the far-right, while opposition mainly came
from socialist, green, and leftist groups. This shows that the Hungarian alignment was
not an isolated domestic phenomenon but part of a wider European trend: migration
remains one of the few areas where otherwise competing parties can align on a
restrictive approach.

Conclusion: One Issue, One Direction, One Shared Denominator

In conclusion, the March 26 vote did not create a new partnership; it represented a
temporary convergence on a single issue—one topic, one direction, one shared
denominator. At the same time, it illustrates that despite fierce domestic competition,
Hungarian parties can temporarily coordinate in EU decision-making on issues of mutual interest.

Photo: European Parliament/Facebook