Tens of thousands of Hungarians gathered on Saturday to rally in support of Peter Magyar, a prominent opposition figure and challenger to long-time nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, just ahead of the EU elections. Despite Orban's Fidesz party projected to secure 50 percent of the votes, Magyar's Tisza movement is expected to garner around 27 percent in Sunday's election.

Magyar, a 43-year-old former government insider, gained prominence earlier this year following a scandal involving a child abuse pardon that rocked Orban's government. He has been critical of the "system" under Orban's control, with the Prime Minister having ruled Hungary continuously since 2010, making him the longest-serving leader in the EU.

Addressing the massive crowd, Magyar expressed determination to change Hungary's destiny, declaring, "Together we can save Hungary... We are here, and we are ready to change our destiny, the fate that a thieving, oppressive power wants to impose on us." Many in the crowd waved Hungarian flags while holding posters reading "Wake up Hungarians" and "We are masters of our future."

Supporters at the rally expressed hope for a better future for their families, with one attendee, Zoltan Ekes, stating, "It's good to be here because people have hope." Another participant, Geza Kenyer, highlighted the issue of corruption, saying, "Orban and his people have no values other than staying in power."

Orban, who has vowed to "occupy Brussels," has been tapping into far-right sentiments ahead of the EU elections, with concerns growing over a potential war between the West and Russia, which he blames on Brussels and NATO. Orban has positioned himself as a lone fighter for peace within the EU, framing the upcoming European Parliament elections as a referendum on the conflict in Ukraine.

As Moscow's closest ally within the EU, despite its invasion of Ukraine, Orban has refused to support Kyiv with military aid while obstructing European military assistance. Public outrage against the government and Orban's grip on power was further fueled earlier this year after the then-president Katalin Novak pardoned an accomplice of a convicted child abuser. Novak subsequently resigned, but public anger has continued to be expressed through rallies supporting Magyar.

The EU elections in Hungary, set to take place on Sunday, will see nearly eight million voters participate. They will coincide with municipal elections, further adding to the significance of the vote.