BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarians head to the polls Sunday in a parliamentary election that could end Viktor Orban’s 16-year grip on power, with the opposition Tisza Party holding a clear lead in the latest polls over the longtime prime minister’s Fidesz party amid widespread discontent over corruption, ties to Russia and stalled European Union funds.

The April 12 vote for the 199-seat National Assembly is being watched closely across Europe and beyond as a potential turning point for Hungary’s illiberal democracy and the broader cohesion of the European Union. A victory for challenger Péter Magyar and his center-right Tisza Party could unlock billions in frozen EU money, shift Budapest’s stance on the war in Ukraine and signal a pro-European pivot after years of confrontation with Brussels.

Recent independent polls show Tisza ahead by 10 to 13 percentage points. A Nepszava-published survey on Friday had Tisza at 52 percent and Fidesz at 39 percent among decided voters, while other pollsters like Publicus and Iránytű Institute reported similar double-digit leads. Pro-government pollsters showed a tighter race, but even they acknowledged momentum for the opposition.

Tisza, a relatively new force founded by Magyar — a former Orban ally who broke ranks in 2024 — has capitalized on anti-corruption messaging, promises of judicial reform and a return to mainstream European integration. Magyar, a charismatic lawyer and former diplomat, has drawn massive crowds to rallies, including a recent anti-government concert in Budapest that attracted thousands.

Orban, seeking a fifth term, has framed the election as a battle for national sovereignty against “Brussels bureaucrats” and liberal forces. At rallies, he has warned that an opposition win would bring mass migration, gender ideology and economic decline. His campaign has leaned heavily on state media dominance and targeted social media efforts, including coordinated Telegram posts spreading fear about life without Fidesz, according to research by data analytics firm Vox Harbor.

High stakes for Hungary and Europe

The election carries outsized international weight. Hungary under Orban has repeatedly blocked or delayed EU decisions on Ukraine aid, sanctions against Russia and joint borrowing packages. A Tisza-led government could ease those vetoes, strengthening Europe’s unified support for Kyiv and potentially unlocking more than €20 billion in withheld EU recovery funds tied to rule-of-law concerns.

Washington, Moscow, Kyiv and Brussels are monitoring closely. U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Budapest this week in a show of support for Orban, highlighting transatlantic divisions. Reports of Orban’s private communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including an alleged “I am at your service” remark, have fueled criticism from European allies.

For ordinary Hungarians, the vote revolves around cost-of-living pressures, perceived cronyism and the future of democratic institutions. Orban’s Fidesz has built a system critics describe as “state capture,” with loyalists controlling key media outlets, courts and economic levers. Magyar promises to dismantle what he calls the “Orbán system” of oligarchic rule while maintaining conservative values.

Electoral system favors incumbents

Hungary’s mixed electoral system — combining single-member districts with proportional party lists — has historically boosted Fidesz. In 2022, Orban’s alliance won a supermajority with just over 50 percent of the vote thanks to gerrymandering and the way wasted votes from districts flow into national allocations. Diaspora votes from ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries also lean heavily toward Fidesz.

Analysts say Tisza may need a six- to 10-point popular vote lead to secure even a simple majority of 100 seats, let alone the 133 needed for a constitutional supermajority. Some projections, including from polling firm Median, suggest Tisza could still achieve a two-thirds majority if momentum holds, allowing it to amend the constitution and reverse key Orban-era laws.

Undecided voters, estimated at 15 to 25 percent in some surveys, could prove decisive. Fidesz is pouring resources into mobilizing its rural and older base, while Tisza targets urban youth, swing districts and disaffected former Fidesz supporters.

Campaign dynamics and controversies

The final week has seen intense campaigning. Orban toured the country, emphasizing family policies, border security and economic stability under Fidesz. He accused the opposition of being Soros-funded puppets bent on opening borders.

Magyar countered with rallies focused on battery plant safety concerns, judicial independence and ending crony contracts. He has positioned Tisza as a “respect and freedom” alternative that rejects both Orban’s isolationism and left-wing extremes. Smaller parties like Our Homeland Movement and the Democratic Coalition are polling in the single digits and may struggle to clear the 5 percent threshold for parliament seats.

Allegations of coordinated disinformation have surfaced, with pro-Orban Telegram channels pushing narratives of chaos if Fidesz loses. Opposition figures have complained about unequal media access and state resources tilting the field, though international observers have not yet issued formal assessments.

Football has even entered the fray. Orban’s longtime fusion of politics and the sport — including stadium investments — has come under scrutiny as a symbol of resource allocation priorities, with some analysts suggesting it could contribute to voter fatigue.

What a change would mean

A Tisza victory would mark the first time since 2010 that Orban is out of power, potentially triggering a rapid realignment. Magyar has pledged to restore independent institutions, negotiate with the EU on funds and adopt a more constructive approach to Ukraine aid without abandoning Hungary’s energy interests tied to Russia.

For the EU, it could reduce internal friction and bolster collective decision-making. For Ukraine, it might mean fewer vetoes on military support packages. Domestically, analysts caution that even a strong opposition win would face hurdles: entrenched loyalists in the bureaucracy, constitutional changes requiring time and possible legal challenges from the outgoing government.

Fidesz insiders express confidence in their ground game and the electoral map’s advantages, predicting a comeback similar to past tight races. Orban has governed through crises before, from migration waves to the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation spikes.

Voter sentiment and turnout expectations

Turnout will be critical. High participation historically favors the opposition, while lower turnout benefits Fidesz’s disciplined base. Polling stations open at 6 a.m. local time Sunday and close at 7 p.m., with results expected late that night or early Monday.

In Budapest and major cities, excitement is palpable. Anti-government events have drawn large crowds, while rural areas remain more cautious. Economic anxieties — including high utility costs and wage stagnation — appear to be driving many toward change, though fears of instability persist among Orban loyalists.

As the campaign enters its final hours, both sides are urging supporters to vote. Magyar has called it “the most important election since 1989,” framing it as a choice between continued isolation and a European future. Orban has labeled it a defense of Hungarian sovereignty against external forces.

Whatever the outcome, the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary election is poised to reshape the country’s trajectory after more than a decade and a half of one-party dominance. International observers, including from the OSCE, are on the ground to monitor proceedings.

For now, the momentum appears to favor Magyar’s rising Tisza movement, but Hungary’s tilted electoral landscape means nothing is guaranteed until votes are counted.

BALTIMORE — Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee each launched home runs, and rookie right-hander Landen Roupp delivered six strong innings as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 on Friday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for their season-high third consecutive victory.

The Giants (6-8) opened a nine-game road trip on a positive note, improving to 3-1 away from Oracle Park while handing the Orioles (6-7) their second straight loss. Roupp (2-1) allowed just one earned run on four hits and four strikeouts over 93 pitches, keeping Baltimore’s potent lineup in check for most of the evening.

Adames got the Giants on the board in the third inning with a solo shot off Orioles starter Shane Baz, sending a 402-foot drive to right-center for his second homer of the young season. Lee, the Korean star in his second MLB campaign, provided the decisive blow in the seventh with a two-run homer that pushed the lead to 6-1. It marked Lee’s first home run of 2026.

“Roupp set the tone and our bats came through when we needed them,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “Adames and Lee gave us the separation, and the bullpen did the rest. It’s a good way to start this stretch.”

The game, broadcast on Apple TV+, featured several highlight-reel moments that quickly circulated on social media. Adames’ opposite-field homer and Lee’s laser to left field stood out, along with a clutch defensive play by Lee in the third inning that preserved the shutout.

Early pitching duel gives way to offense

Baz (0-1) worked five innings for Baltimore, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four. The right-hander kept the game close early, but the Giants’ lineup wore him down in the middle innings.

San Francisco broke through in the third when Adames turned on a pitch and deposited it into the stands. The Giants added two more in the fourth on RBI hits, building a 3-0 advantage. Baltimore got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Leody Taveras doubled in a run off Roupp, ending a streak of 23 consecutive scoreless innings for the Giants’ pitching staff.

Roupp navigated traffic effectively, inducing weak contact and limiting hard contact from Baltimore’s stars. Gunnar Henderson, fresh off a hot stretch, provided Baltimore’s biggest highlight with a two-run homer in the ninth that cut the deficit to 6-3, but the rally fell short.

The Giants’ bullpen sealed the win. Relievers including Jordan Hicks and Camilo Doval combined for three scoreless innings, with Doval earning his second save by navigating the ninth after Henderson’s blast.

Key highlights from the game

Full game highlights captured the momentum shifts. Adames’ solo shot in the third put the visitors ahead 1-0 and energized the Giants dugout. Lee’s defensive gem in the same inning — a strong throw or positioning that prevented extra bases — kept Roupp’s line clean.

The seventh inning proved decisive. With runners on, Lee crushed a hanging sweeper for a two-run homer, making it 6-1 and effectively putting the game out of reach. Video clips of the swing, showing Lee’s smooth left-handed stroke, drew praise from fans and analysts alike.

Henderson’s ninth-inning two-run shot provided late drama and a highlight for Orioles fans, but San Francisco’s 12 hits and timely power proved too much. The Giants recorded 12 hits compared to Baltimore’s eight, with no errors for the home team and one for the visitors.

Context for both teams

The victory pushed the Giants above .500 on the road early in the season and gave them momentum heading into the second game of the series on Saturday. San Francisco has relied on strong starting pitching and opportunistic hitting during its current streak.

For the Orioles, the loss dropped them to 6-7 and highlighted ongoing offensive inconsistencies despite a lineup featuring young stars like Henderson and veterans such as Adley Rutschman. Baltimore entered the series in second place in the AL East but has struggled to string together wins at home.

Baz’s solid but ultimately ineffective outing reflected the Orioles’ early-season rotation questions. Manager Brandon Hyde will look for more length from starters as the team navigates a busy stretch.

Broader MLB implications and season outlook

Friday’s result was part of a busy night across Major League Baseball, with interleague play showcasing contrasting styles. The Giants, rebuilding around a mix of veterans like Adames and young talent including Lee, showed signs of offensive potential that could make them competitive in the NL West.

Lee’s first homer of the year carried extra significance for fans who have watched his adjustment to American baseball. Acquired with high expectations, the outfielder’s power display could signal a breakout period.

Roupp’s performance, now with a 2-1 record and sub-4.00 ERA in limited starts, bolsters San Francisco’s rotation depth. The right-hander mixed pitches effectively, keeping hitters off balance at Camden Yards.

Social media buzzed with highlights shortly after the final out. Clips of Adames’ homer, Lee’s blast and Henderson’s late shot racked up views, with fans debating pitching matchups and early-season surprises.

Looking ahead in the series

The teams meet again Saturday afternoon, with the Orioles hoping to even the series behind their next starter while the Giants aim to extend their winning streak to four. Sunday’s finale will wrap the brief interleague set before both clubs return to divisional play.

For now, the Giants can savor a road win powered by timely long balls and efficient pitching — the kind of complete effort that builds confidence on a long trip.

Box Score Summary

• San Francisco Giants: 6 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
• Baltimore Orioles: 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

Key Contributors

• Landen Roupp (SF): 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 K
• Willy Adames (SF): Solo HR
• Jung Hoo Lee (SF): 2-run HR, strong defense
• Gunnar Henderson (BAL): 2-run HR in 9th

The Giants improved to 6-8 overall, while the Orioles fell to 6-7. Full game highlights are available on MLB.com, ESPN and team YouTube channels, featuring every major play from the 2-hour, 44-minute contest.

As the 2026 season unfolds, performances like Roupp’s and the power display from Adames and Lee offer reminders of baseball’s unpredictability and the value of timely hitting on the road.

LOS ANGELES — Max Muncy delivered a historic performance Friday night, smashing three home runs — including a dramatic two-out solo shot in the ninth inning — to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-7 walk-off victory over the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium.

Muncy’s heroics capped a back-and-forth contest between two of baseball’s most recent World Series champions, with the Dodgers improving to 10-3 while handing the Rangers their sixth loss in 13 games. The game featured 15 combined home runs from both sides, showcasing the power-packed lineups that have defined early 2026 MLB action.

Muncy, who entered the night with a modest home run total for the young season, went deep in the second, sixth and ninth innings. His final blast off Rangers reliever Jacob Latz came after Los Angeles had erased a late deficit. The third homer not only won the game but also pushed Muncy past Steve Garvey for third place on the Dodgers’ all-time home run list since the franchise moved to Los Angeles.

“Maxy was locked in tonight,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame. “When he gets that swing going, it’s special. To do it three times, including the walk-off, that’s the kind of moment that defines a season.”

The Dodgers’ offense pounded out 15 hits, with contributions throughout the lineup. Andy Pages added key hits in the rally, while the club capitalized on timely hitting after starter Tyler Glasnow navigated a shaky outing.

Glasnow, making an early-season start, allowed three runs on Corey Seager’s three-run homer in the third inning. Seager, the former Dodgers star now with Texas, crushed a 409-foot blast to center field off Glasnow, scoring Josh Smith and Brandon Nimmo to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead. It was Seager’s fourth homer of the season.

Texas starter Kumar Rocker, the highly touted young right-hander, went five innings and surrendered four runs. Muncy’s first homer, a solo shot in the second, opened the scoring for Los Angeles. Rocker struck out several batters but struggled with command at times against the Dodgers’ patient approach.

The Rangers built momentum in the middle innings. Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter contributed to the attack, with Texas pushing across single runs in the fifth and ninth to keep the pressure on. The Rangers’ bullpen, including key setup arms, held the line temporarily, but the late innings proved chaotic.

Edwin Diaz, typically a reliable closer for Texas, entered in the ninth with a one-run lead but struggled, allowing the tying and go-ahead runs to reach base before Muncy’s decisive swing. It marked Diaz’s first blown save of the season. Latz took the loss in relief.

For the Dodgers, the bullpen stabilized after Glasnow’s exit. Alex Vesia and others bridged the gap effectively before the offense mounted its comeback. The Dodgers scored one run in the fourth, one in the fifth, two in the sixth, two in the eighth and the winner in the ninth, showcasing their depth and resilience.

Muncy’s multi-homer night echoed some of the franchise’s memorable power displays. His second homer narrowed the gap, and by the time the game reached the late stages, Dodger Stadium was electric with anticipation. Fans chanted as the ninth unfolded, erupting when Muncy connected for the game-winner.

The matchup carried extra intrigue as a clash of recent champions. The Rangers won the World Series in 2023, while the Dodgers claimed the title more recently, building one of the strongest rosters in baseball with a mix of veterans and young talent. Both teams entered the series with strong records — Texas at 7-5 and Los Angeles at 9-3 — making this opener a preview of potential October intensity.

Seager’s home run was a highlight for Texas fans, reminding them of his productive years in Los Angeles. The left-handed slugger has been a consistent force for the Rangers, and his third-inning blast momentarily shifted momentum in a game that saw 22 total runs.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, a veteran of many high-stakes games, praised his team’s fight despite the loss.

“We had chances and put together good at-bats,” Bochy said. “Muncy just got the big one at the end. That’s baseball — one swing can change everything.”

The game lasted just over three hours, played under clear skies at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium with temperatures in the mid-60s and a light breeze. Attendance was strong, reflecting the early-season buzz around both clubs.

Statistically, the Dodgers dominated in hits (15-9) and total bases (29-18), while both teams avoided errors in a clean defensive showing. Home runs told much of the story: Texas hit three, Los Angeles four, with Muncy accounting for three of the Dodgers’ long balls.

This victory gives the Dodgers a strong start to their home series against Texas, with games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Los Angeles will look to build on its hot start, while the Rangers aim to rebound and even the series.

Muncy’s performance will likely dominate highlight reels for days. Videos of his three homers, particularly the walk-off, were already circulating widely on social media shortly after the final out, with fans calling it one of the more memorable individual nights of the young 2026 season.

As the MLB season progresses, matchups like this underscore the parity and excitement across the league. Power hitting, dramatic comebacks and star performances continue to drive fan interest, and Friday’s contest delivered on all fronts.

For the Rangers, the focus shifts quickly to Saturday’s starter as they try to salvage the series. Texas has shown offensive pop but will need stronger bullpen outings to contain explosive lineups like the Dodgers’.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, rides high on Muncy’s heroics. The veteran infielder, known for his clutch moments in past postseasons, reminded everyone why he remains a vital piece of the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.

The series continues Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, promising more fireworks between these two talented squads.