Hungarian Election Frontrunner Demands Treason Probe Over Alleged 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 Hungarian government of treason over alleged leaks of confidential EU information to Russia. Magyar, who leads the rival Tisza party and tops opinion polls just three weeks before Hungary's 12 April elections, stated that if confirmed, such actions would constitute a betrayal of both Hungarian and European interests.
Washington Post Report Sparks International Outcry
The controversy stems from a Washington Post report alleging that Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó routinely updated his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov with details from confidential EU meetings. According to the report, Szijjártó called Lavrov during EU sessions with "live reports on what's being discussed." Two diplomatic sources have independently confirmed to the Guardian that the Hungarian foreign minister shared information with Lavrov.
Magyar responded forcefully on social media platform X, declaring: "If confirmed, this would amount to treason, which carries a potential life sentence. A future Tisza government will immediately investigate the matter."
European Commission Demands Clarifications
The European Commission has called on Hungary's government to provide clarity over the reported leaks, with spokesperson Anitta Hipper describing the allegations as "greatly concerning." Hipper emphasized that "a relationship of trust between member states and between them and the institution is fundamental for the work of the EU and we expect the Hungarian government to provide the clarifications."
EU diplomats expressed little surprise at the reports, noting that tightening the circulation of information and documents might become necessary. Currently, Hungary faces no restrictions on accessing EU information, though one diplomat admitted being more guarded when Hungarian representatives are present.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Relations between Hungary and its EU neighbors have deteriorated significantly as Orbán enters election campaign mode. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk tweeted: "The news that Orbán's people inform Moscow about EU council meetings in every detail shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. We've had our suspicions about that for a long time."
A German foreign ministry spokesperson stated unequivocally that discussions within the EU are confidential and "we will not tolerate any violation of them." This diplomatic tension follows Orbán's recent blocking of a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, further straining Hungary's position within the European Union.
Orbán's Response and Counter-Allegations
In response to the Washington Post report, Orbán ordered an investigation into what he termed the "wire-tapping" of Foreign Minister Szijjártó. This announcement followed a pro-government publication's article claiming foreign intelligence agencies had eavesdropped on Szijjártó with assistance from Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi.
Panyi, one of Hungary's leading investigative journalists who has extensively reported on Russian influence operations, dismissed the allegations as a "smear campaign aimed at discrediting me." He explained that after authorities discovered he was investigating Szijjártó's alleged leaks, they bugged and recorded his conversation with a source.
Broader Context of Russian Influence Operations
The Guardian has identified other disinformation networks with links to Russia, including Operation Overload and Storm-1516, publishing content on platforms like YouTube and X aimed at undermining the credibility of Magyar's Tisza party. These operations falsely accuse Ukraine of meddling in Hungary's elections.
Additionally, the Washington Post reported that Russian intelligence operatives proposed a staged assassination attempt on Orbán to motivate his supporters once it became clear Magyar was leading in the polls.
Szijjártó's Controversial Connections
Foreign Minister Szijjártó, who received an award from Vladimir Putin in 2021, regularly attends EU foreign affairs council meetings that have discussed the war in Ukraine monthly since Russia's full-scale invasion over four years ago. He has dismissed the leak allegations as "fake news."
Panyi's previous investigative work revealed that former Slovakian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini sought Orbán's help in obtaining an invitation to Moscow in 2020, with Szijjártó allegedly conveying the message to Lavrov. Panyi has also previously found his phone infected with Pegasus spyware, which he believes represented targeted government hacking to identify his sources.
Election Implications and EU Response
EU diplomats do not expect Orbán to change his position on the €90 billion Ukraine loan before the 12 April elections. Nor is the EU likely to retaliate against Orbán for blocking the loan or the alleged leaks to Russia, fearing such actions would provide him with campaign ammunition.
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that criticism of Orbán at the recent EU summit had been "fierce" but added: "The rest of us won't play along and become props in Orbán's own Hungarian election campaign."
As Hungary approaches its pivotal elections, these allegations of treasonous behavior have dramatically intensified the political stakes, with Magyar positioning himself as the candidate who will restore Hungary's commitment to European values and transparency.
