Fidesz Achieves Landslide Victory in Tolna County By-Election
The by-election in Tolna County on January 12, 2025, resulted in a landslide victory for Fidesz’s Dr. Krisztina Csibi, who secured 63.7 percent of the votes, overcoming the previous MP’s 62.44 percent. This victory marks a strengthening of Fidesz’s presence in the region despite low voter turnout of only 33.5 percent, with the Democratic Coalition following in third place at 11 percent.
On January 12, 2025, a by-election was conducted in the second electoral district of Tolna County, prompted by the passing of Fidesz MP Árpád János Pótápi in October 2024. This election marked a significant moment as it was the first after the European Parliamentary and municipal elections held in June 2024. Dr. Krisztina Csibi, representing the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, successfully secured the seat formerly held by Pótápi, with a decisive victory that significantly exceeded previous margins.
Dr. Csibi garnered 63.7 percent of the votes, outpacing her predecessor who had won 62.44 percent in 2022. Her win also represents a striking 44.5 point lead over the next candidate, Dóra Dúró of the Our Homeland Movement, which is notably to the right of Fidesz, who received only 19.18 percent of the ballots. The Democratic Coalition secured third place with 11 percent. Although voter turnout was low at 33.5 percent, this is common in Hungarian by-elections. This result bodes well for Fidesz, especially after they previously achieved a supermajority in the last parliamentary election.
Hungary’s political landscape has been characterized by significant transitions and elections over recent years. This by-election in Tolna County highlights the continuing dominance of the Fidesz-KDNP coalition amidst challenges from opposition parties. The region’s historical inclination towards Fidesz is reinforced by their recent electoral performances, including the party’s gain of a constitutional supermajority in the latest parliamentary elections. The absence of viable opposition candidates and the low turnout reflect a potential lack of competition for Fidesz, while also raising questions regarding the engagement of voters and the effectiveness of rival parties.
In summary, the recent by-election in Tolna County not only reinforces Fidesz’s stronghold in the region, evidenced by Dr. Krisztina Csibi’s landslide victory, but also reflects ongoing trends of voter allegiances within Hungary. The significant margin of victory indicates a firm support base for the ruling coalition. While low turnout suggests potential disengagement from voters, the results present a formidable signal to both local and European political actors about the electorate’s preferences.
Original Source: www.hungarianconservative.com
