The outcome in Tapolca shows that there is now no ceiling above Jobbik’s potential growth.

Only political rivals would be able to stop Jobbik in its tracks, though there is no sign of this happening, Political Capital said. Sámuel Ágoston Mráz, head of the Nézőpont Institute, said the outcome pointed to a “protest vote” amid the current public mood, in which Jobbik came on top.

Mráz told public television news channel M1 that an important factor to consider was that voters had not turned out to decide who would govern the country.

Further, the matter of a two-thirds majority was not at issue, either, he said, adding that “Jobbik’s biggest problem is that it is unfit to govern”.

Jobbik leader Gábor Vona hailed the result as a “historic victory”, noting it was the first time that Jobbik had won a parliamentary mandate in an individual constituency.

If Jobbik managed to get this mandate in western Hungary, “it is worth pondering about what the situation could be in eastern Hungary,” he added, referring to his party’s stronghold.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on his Facebook page thanked Fenyvesi and Fidesz-KDNP’s activists for their efforts, adding there are times “when the ball hits the goal-post”.

Socialist leader József Tóbiás said the outcome of the by-election shows that a new situation has emerged in Hungarian politics.

Fidesz must now make it clear whether it stands on the side of democracy in which there are rivalries and disputes, but dedication to European values and respect for human lives and values are never questioned, he added.

The Democratic Coalition said the result of the election showed that voters are disillusioned with the ruling alliance.

Yet its “latest fiasco” also serves as a warning to democrats, too, said Zsolt Gréczy, DK’s spokesman. The final result is expected to be announced on Thursday.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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MTI photo: Kovács Tamás