Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban issued a conciliatory appeal to the public in a Facebook post in the early hours, urging all Hungarians to unite and stand together, stressing that the April 12 election is not only about selecting a government, but about "choosing the fate of the nation."

Looking tired and weary, Hungary’s veteran leader, trailing in the polls behind, praised Fidesz’s achievements, including transforming a crumbling nation into a stable, secure homeland. These accomplishments included sending the IMF away, taxing banks and multinationals, creating one million new jobs, introducing extra pensions, and increasing wages through minimum wage hikes.

He also mentioned the launch of utility price cuts and fuel price caps, stopping illegal migration, and rejecting war while defying Brussels. 

Orban argued that these accomplishments achieved over the past 16 years are at risk due to wars and an impending energy and financial crisis.

He stated that now is not the time for division, anger, or hatred, but for unity and cohesion, especially in light of the looming European crisis. He highlighted that voters were not just choosing a government but deciding the nation's future.

He accused the opposition of resorting to any means to seize power, including colluding with foreign intelligence, intimidating government supporters, and falsely accusing electoral fraud before the votes were counted. He described this as an organised attempt to undermine the Hungarian people’s decision through chaos, pressure, and an international smear campaign.

Orban urged voters to discuss the election's importance with family and friends, calling change dangerous and asserting that Fidesz is the safe choice.

"Fidesz’s constant election fraud, fake news, and underhanded tactics can't stop the Tisza Party from winning," opposition leader Peter Magyar commented shortly after the Facebook video aired.

He emphasised that Hungary is on the cusp of a political transformation, pointing out that the same voters who helped Orban win four two-thirds majorities since 2010 will now be the ones to oust him, as many feel betrayed by his leadership.

Magyar called on Orban to accept the will of the people with dignity and respect. The opposition leader, who turned 45 last month, vowed that his party would be present at every polling station to monitor the voting process and that it would be a fair vote.

Recent polls showed Tisza widening its lead over Fidesz just two days before the election. According to a recent Median mandate estimate predicting a possible two-thirds majority for the Tisza Party, Magyar warned voters not to be misled by polls.

There are at least 30-40 electoral districts (of the 106 total) where the difference between the candidates of Tisza and Fidesz is less than 1,000, and the outcome could mean the difference between a simple majority or an absolute majority.

Tisza MEP Andras Kulja, in an ironic Facebook post, summed up the video of the prime minister as: "Bad camera angle: He looks weak. Bad sound: It echoes, he sounds lonely. Bad lighting: It's dark when he talks about ‘great successes’ and bright when he finally finishes." This is a desperate attempt of a corrupt and isolated person to hold onto power, he added.

On Truth Social, US President Donald Trump offered his full endorsement and support for Orban, calling him a "strong and powerful" leader with a "proven track record" of delivering results.

He praised Orban’s policies on protecting Hungary, boosting the economy, creating jobs, promoting trade, and stopping illegal immigration.
Trump said Hungary-US relations had reached “new heights” of cooperation under his administration, crediting Orban for much of that progress.

"VIKTOR ORBAN WILL NEVER LET THE GREAT PEOPLE OF HUNGARY DOWN. I AM WITH HIM ALL THE WAY! President Donald J. Trump," according to the post.