The ruse of new election

Member of parliament László Varju is resigning to force new elections in the capital’s 4th and 13th districts. The constituency is to be redrawn like the whole of Budapest, which would not yet apply for the early 2025 date. This means that the DK could hit Fidesz in two sore spots at once, as it wants to nominate Varju again in the by-elections, who is expected to win a commanding victory over the ruling party’s candidate.

The Kuria, the Supreme Court, had sentenced Varju to a fine in a case that the DK described as politically motivated. This threatens him with the revocation of his parliamentary mandate by the two-thirds majority of Fidesz. However, Fidesz could take its time with the proceedings, as in April 2025 – one year before the possible date of the next parliamentary elections – a regulation will come into force that prohibits further by-elections in the remaining period. The DK will then be able to replace the MP with another politician who will automatically take their place on their national list. However, the Gyurcsány party wants to use this opportunity to confront Fidesz with the voters.