Hungarian Election Candidate Demands Treason Probe Over EU-Russia Leaks
Péter Magyar, the conservative anti-corruption campaigner mounting the most serious challenge to Viktor Orbán's 16-year premiership, has accused the ruling government of treason. This follows allegations that Hungary's foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, routinely updated his Russian counterpart with details of confidential European Union meetings.
Allegations of Betrayal and Collusion
Magyar, who leads the rival Tisza party and is ahead in polls three weeks before Hungary's 12 April elections, stated that the government appears to be colluding with Russia, thereby betraying Hungarian and European interests. He wrote on social media platform X that if confirmed, this would amount to treason, carrying a potential life sentence. A future Tisza government would immediately investigate the matter.
The Washington Post reported last week that Szijjártó called Russia's Sergei Lavrov during EU meetings with live reports on discussions. Two diplomatic sources confirmed to the Guardian that the Hungarian foreign minister had shared information with Lavrov. Szijjártó, awarded by Vladimir Putin in 2021, dismissed the allegations as fake news.
European Commission Calls for Clarifications
The European Commission has demanded clarity from Hungary's government over the reported leaks. Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said the reports were greatly concerning, emphasizing that trust between member states and institutions is fundamental for EU work. She expects the Hungarian government to provide clarifications.
Relations between Hungary and its EU neighbors have plummeted to new lows as Orbán enters election campaign mode. He recently blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, further straining ties.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, tweeted that news of Orbán's people informing Moscow about EU council meetings in detail shouldn't surprise anyone, as suspicions have existed for a long time. A German foreign ministry spokesperson stated that discussions within the EU are confidential and violations will not be tolerated.
EU diplomats expressed little surprise at the reports, suggesting that tightening information circulation might be necessary. Currently, there are no restrictions on Hungary's access to information, though some diplomats are more guarded when Hungarian representatives are present.
Orbán's Response and Investigative Journalism
In response to the Washington Post report, Orbán ordered an investigation into what he called the wire-tapping of Szijjártó. This followed a pro-government publication, Mandiner, publishing an article claiming foreign intelligence agencies eavesdropped on Szijjártó with help from Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi.
Panyi, one of Hungary's leading investigative journalists, called it a smear campaign aimed at discrediting him. He has reported extensively on Russian influence operations in Hungary and previously found his phone infected with Pegasus spyware, which he believes was targeted hacking by the government.
Election Context and Disinformation Campaigns
With elections approaching, EU diplomats do not expect Orbán to change his mind on the Ukraine loan before 12 April. Nor is the EU likely to retaliate against Orbán for blocking the loan or alleged leaks, fearing it could hand him a campaign advantage.
Sweden's prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, noted that criticism of Orbán at the EU summit was fierce but added that others won't become props in Orbán's election campaign.
The Washington Post also reported that Russian intelligence operatives proposed a staged assassination attempt on Orbán to motivate his supporters once Magyar led in polls. Additionally, disinformation networks with links to Russia, such as Operation Overload and Storm-1516, are publishing content aimed at undermining Magyar's Tisza party and accusing Ukraine of meddling in the elections.
