Poll shows majority of Hungarians oppose ending Russian energy imports

A majority of people in Hungary oppose ending imports of Russian energy resources, according to a new survey published by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), highlighting continuing divisions over energy security and relations with Moscow.

The online poll, conducted by Stratega Research and Mandate Research between April 17 and 27, surveyed 1,001 adult Hungarian citizens.

According to the findings, 52% of respondents oppose halting Russian energy imports, while support for phasing out Russian supplies has weakened even among backers of the opposition Tisza Party led by Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar.

The report noted that before Hungary’s April 12 vote, around two-thirds of Tisza supporters favoured ending purchases of Russian fuels, while only about a quarter opposed the idea. The latest survey, however, shows a more divided electorate, with 48% of Tisza voters now supporting a phase-out and 39% opposing it.

Among supporters of the Fidesz party, opposition to ending Russian energy imports remains significantly stronger. According to the poll, 72% of Fidesz voters oppose such a move, while only 15% support it.

Researchers noted that Hungary continues to depend heavily on Russian energy imports and that “energy security” remains one of the most important political issues for Fidesz supporters. By contrast, the issue has historically ranked lower among Tisza voters, though concern about energy policy appears to be increasing within the opposition electorate as well.

By Sabina Mammadli