MMN strengthens the EDP's presence in Central Europe
The accession of the MMN strengthens the EDP’s presence in Central Europe and relaunches the battle for a democratic, free and fully European Hungary against Viktor Orbán’s illiberal regime. Key Hungarian opposition leader, Péter Márki-Zay and MMN (Mindenki Magyarországa Néppárt – Hungary For All People’s Party) joins the European Democratic Party (EDP), the centrist, pro-European and reformist political family represented in the European Parliament by the Renew Europe group to fight against pro-Putin, anti-EU forces, like Viktor Orbán.
Following the approval of EDP Presidency on this Friday, the accession of Márki-Zay’s political party strengthens the EDP’s presence in Central Europe. The move comes close to the 2026 elections in Hungary, when Hungarians may finally close the long chapter of Viktor Orbán’s rule and reopen a new era of full democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, stated: “The accession of Péter Márki-Zay’s party to the EDP is great news for all those who believe in a European, democratic and honest Hungary. In a context marked by corruption and abuses of power by the Orbán government, we need brave voices defending the rule of law, media freedom and judicial independence. Márki-Zay and his party embody that hope and bring it back to the centre of the European debate.”
Péter Márki-Zay, President of MMN, stated: “With the strength of the European Democratic Party we are empowered to continue our fight against the pro-Putin and anti-EU forces like Viktor Orbán. We defend democracy against this evil force that is spreading like a virus demolishing our freedom. We defend our community, Europe, my country, Hungary and my city, Hódmezővásárhely. We defend the freedom of speech, the free enterprise system, the freedom of education, the freedom of the judiciary, the freedom of love, the freedom of religion, and the freedom of the municipalities. Join us, together we Stop Putin, Stop Orbán!”
Founded by former prime minister candidate Peter Marki-Zay, MMN is a pro-European people’s party representing democratic values, free market economy and anti-corruption, and fighting against the oppressive and corrupt regime of Fidesz.
Péter Márki-Zay is a pro-European conservative politician, founder and president of the national grass root movement, MMM and the pro-European people’s party, MMN. He is the mayor of his hometown, the City of Hódmezővásárhely – the city of freedom. He was elected as the prime minister candidate of the joint opposition challenging Victor Orbán in 2022.
The EDP reaffirms that Europe’s challenge is not only to defend fundamental values within the Union, but also to extend them eastward, accompanying the enlargement process with deep institutional reforms that make Europe more effective and less vulnerable to the blackmail of authoritarian governments.
“EU enlargement,” Gozi added, “must go hand in hand with reform that ends the logic of the veto, to prevent new ‘Orbáns’ from paralysing common decisions. Only in this way can we build a more sovereign, more united and more democratic Europe – one able to act and to protect its citizens.”
With this new accession, the EDP strengthens its presence across the European Union and renews its commitment to a centrist, humanist and reformist Europe, where freedom, justice and the rule of law remain the cornerstone of our common European home.
