The Tisza Party won February's political battle, according to new polling from Závecz Research, as thousands gathered in cities across Hungary despite massive government billboard campaigns that have dominated public spaces ahead of the approaching elections.The polling data, <link href="https://24.hu/belfold/2026/03/03/zavecz-kutatasa-februar/">reported by 24.hu</link>, shows the opposition party maintaining momentum that has unsettled the political establishment in Budapest. The findings come as Magyar Péter's Tisza Party drew substantial crowds to rallies in provincial cities, including a particularly striking turnout in Eger that opposition supporters described as "brutal" in its scale.Images from Eger showed thousands of attendees dwarfing the surrounding landscape of Fidesz billboards that have blanketed Hungarian cities in recent weeks. The contrast—opposition crowds versus government advertising saturation—has become emblematic of the campaign dynamics. In Dunaújváros and Ózd, similar scenes played out as Tisza supporters gathered in numbers that suggest an energized opposition base.Government supporters point to Fidesz's extensive resources and established political infrastructure as advantages that polling cannot fully capture. The ruling party maintains control over significant state media apparatus and has deployed comprehensive billboard campaigns across the country. Pro-government voices emphasize that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has won four consecutive elections since returning to power in 2010, and caution against reading too much into mid-campaign polling fluctuations.Opposition activists, however, see genuine momentum. The Tisza Party has succeeded in drawing crowds without the resources available to the governing party, relying instead on grassroots enthusiasm and social media mobilization. The visual juxtaposition of thousands of opposition supporters gathered beneath Fidesz billboards has become a potent symbol for those hoping for political change.The February polling represents a continuation of trends that emerged in late 2025, when Tisza first began registering competitive numbers against Fidesz. Whether this represents a fundamental shift in Hungarian politics or a temporary surge remains contested. Government allies note that national elections operate under a complex electoral system that favors established parties with strong nationwide organization—resources Fidesz possesses in abundance.International observers have noted the developments with interest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated his belief that Orbán would lose the upcoming election, a comment that reflects broader international hopes for improved Hungary-EU relations. The current government's relationship with Brussels has been marked by ongoing tensions over rule of law concerns and Hungary's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.The campaign has also revealed infrastructure challenges facing smaller opposition parties. The Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party, known for satirical campaigns, announced it has collected only half the signatures required for nationwide ballot access, despite having candidates in over thirty constituencies. The party's struggles highlight the organizational advantages held by larger political forces.As the campaign intensifies, both sides face critical questions. For Fidesz, the challenge lies in converting resource advantages and organizational strength into voter enthusiasm that matches opposition energy. For Tisza, the question is whether crowded rallies and positive polling can translate into electoral success under Hungary's electoral system, which requires not just overall support but winning in specific constituencies.In Hungary, as across the region, national sovereignty and European integration exist in constant tension. The February polling and opposition rallies suggest a political landscape that remains fluid, with outcomes far from predetermined. Whether this represents the closing chapter of the Orbán era or simply another campaign cycle remains to be determined by voters themselves in the coming weeks.