Tisza Party Backs EU’s Russian Energy Ban Despite Economic Alarm Bells

Opposition leader Péter Magyar (L) and Chairman of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber (R)

Péter Magyar, leader of main opposition has announced that his Tisza Party will incorporate the European Union’s proposed ban on Russian oil and gas into its platform. The move, however, could have severe consequences for Hungary’s energy supply, potentially triggering sharp increases in household energy costs and fuel prices. Experts warn the policy could lead to a three-and-a-half-fold rise in utility bills and push fuel prices above 1,000 forints per liter.

As projections correspond, more than one million Hungarian households could face insolvency due to the skyrocketing costs. Additionally, the inflationary ripple effects of higher energy prices could drive overall inflation up by an estimated 9.7% in the coming years, reports a study by Századvég Foundation.

Despite these risks, the Tisza Party remains committed to fulfilling Brussels’ demands. Péter Magyar emphasized his party’s determination to align with EU expectations “whatever the cost.”

A national poll reveals that 66% of Hungarian adults oppose the proposed embargo, fearing the economic fallout. Nevertheless, the issue has deeply polarized the political landscape. While 59% of Tisza supporters back the energy sanctions—even at the cost of higher fuel and energy prices—an overwhelming 96% of Fidesz-KDNP voters reject the ban outright.

Photo: Századvég Foundation

Analysts suggest that Péter Magyar has reframed what is fundamentally a technical and economic issue into an ideological cause among his base. Meanwhile, voters aligned with the ruling coalition appear to favor a more pragmatic approach, advocating for continued trade relations with Russia to safeguard Hungary’s energy security and economic stability.

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