Hungary's political scene is heating up. With elections just 9 months away, Viktor Orban is facing growing pressure, and for the first time in years, real competition. The rising star is Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who's now positioning himself as a pro-European, NATO-aligned alternative. His message is resonating, especially among younger voters.

Orban in the meantime is doubling down on his usual shenanigans. He's launching aggressive campaigns, fueling anti-Ukraine and anti-Western rhetoric, and pushing conservative culture wars. In a recent speech, he made it clear Hungary wants close ties with just about everyone except Brussels. He even floated vetoing the EU budget over support for Ukraine.

Magyar has struck a very different tone. He called for a Hungary that returns to its European roots, reaffirms its NATO commitments, and rebuilds ties with neighbors like Poland. His promises: ending corruption, bringing transparency, and healing political division. No surprise these sound appealing to many disillusioned Hungarians who are fed up with Orban at this point.

So I'd say what's coming isn't just an election. It's a referendum on Orban himself and a clash between two very different visions for Hungary's future. As we like to say around these latitudes: "A civilizational choice is upon us".