Orbán ally's racist remarks threaten to cost Hungary's ruling party up to 3% in polls

The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel discussed the issue.

János Lázár, Hungary's Minister of Construction and Transport and one of the top three figures in Fidesz, triggered widespread condemnation after suggesting that the country's Roma community should be used as "internal reserves" to clean train toilets amid a staffing crisis in the railway sector. "If there are no migrants and someone needs to clean toilets in InterCity trains, then we have to turn to internal reserves. And the internal reserve is the Hungarian Roma community," Lázár stated.

The remarks have provoked fury within Hungary's Roma community, which comprises between 7% and 10% of the country's population. Roma organizations have begun withdrawing their support for Orbán, potentially dealing a significant blow to Fidesz ahead of upcoming elections.

According to electoral analysts, Roma voters have historically formed a crucial part of Orbán's base, particularly among rural and small-town constituents with below-average incomes and without higher education. Based on turnout data from previous elections, Roma votes account for an estimated 12% to 17% of Fidesz's core electorate. Given the party's current national polling at 35-40%, this translates to approximately 4-7% of Fidesz's overall support.

The scandal comes at a particularly vulnerable time for Orbán's campaign, which has already been buffeted by multiple controversies, including a pedophilia scandal and revelations about the prime minister's family estates. Political observers suggest that Lázár's comments could cost Fidesz between 2% and 3% in national support if the controversy intensifies.

The incident has renewed focus on Hungary's proportional representation system, where even small shifts in popular support can have outsized effects on seat distribution. As Orbán's polling numbers weaken, analysts note that voters and political allies may begin distancing themselves from a campaign perceived as losing momentum.