Fidesz candidate Dr. Krisztina Csibi won the Tolna County by-election, securing 63.7 percent of the vote, exceeding her predecessor’s margin from three years prior. The Our Homeland Movement placed second, with the Democratic Coalition third. This election is seen as a reaffirmation of Fidesz’s stronghold in the region, despite low turnout.
A by-election was held in Tolna County’s 2nd electoral district on January 12, 2024, following the death of Fidesz MP Árpád János Pótápi in October 2023. This election marked a noteworthy event in Hungary since the European Parliamentary and municipal elections of June 2024. The ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition’s candidate, Dr. Krisztina Csibi, achieved a decisive victory, securing 63.7 percent of the votes, which represents an increase from Pótápi’s previous victory of 62.44 percent in 2021.
Dr. Csibi’s victory is significant as she surpassed her closest competitor, Dóra Dúró of the Our Homeland Movement, by an impressive margin of 44.5 percentage points. Dúró, the only recognized national candidate in this election, garnered 19.18 percent of the vote, signaling Fidesz’s remarkable performance relative to the previous election cycle when Pótápi won with a 35.44-point lead. The Democratic Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány, finished third, obtaining 11 percent of the votes.
Despite a voter turnout of only 33.5 percent—typical for by-elections in Hungary—Fidesz’s consistent improvement in this region is promising. The party previously maintained a constitutional supermajority for the fourth consecutive time during the last parliamentary elections, winning the popular vote by a substantial 19 points. Interestingly, the Tisza Party, perceived as Fidesz’s most formidable challenger since 2010, declined to nominate a candidate, which may have reflected a strategic choice based on perceived irrelevance of the National Assembly’s role at present.
In reflecting on her victory, MP-elect Krisztina Csibi stated, “…this election was a matter of honour…No matter what we are being told from people next to their champagne glasses in Brussels, I think that the people of the 2nd District in the county of Tolna have sent a message to Brussels that yes, they are voting for continuation, for the continuation of the work of János Árpád Potápi.” This comment underscores a sentiment of loyalty and continuation of Pótápi’s legacy among the electorate in Tolna County.
The by-election in Tolna County arose following the unfortunate passing of MP Árpád János Pótápi. By-elections in Hungary are typically characterized by lower voter turnout and dynamics that differ from regular elections; nonetheless, they serve as crucial indicators of party strength and voter sentiment. The Fidesz-KDNP coalition has maintained a strong presence in Hungarian politics, and this by-election was a significant test of their support in light of past performances and upcoming elections. Candidates from both Fidesz and the Our Homeland Movement were key indicators of political shifts in the region, reflecting the evolving political landscape.
The recent by-election results in Tolna County reflect a strong reaffirmation of support for the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, as evidenced by Dr. Krisztina Csibi’s significant election victory. The increase in voter percentage from the previous election, alongside the considerable margin over competitors, showcases Fidesz’s strengthened position. As the political landscape continues to evolve in Hungary, the outcomes of such elections serve as barometers for future political developments and strategies.
Original Source: www.hungarianconservative.com
