Orbán Government Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Leaking EU Secrets to Russia
Budapest is facing a mounting political scandal as allegations surface that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó routinely shared confidential information from European Union meetings with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The claims, initially reported by the Washington Post, have triggered a probe ordered by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and sparked condemnation from opposition figures and neighboring countries, just weeks before Hungary’s parliamentary elections on April 12.
Allegations of Information Sharing
According to reports, Szijjártó allegedly provided Lavrov with real-time updates on internal EU discussions and potential decisions during breaks in EU meetings. Prime Minister Orbán has ordered an investigation into these claims, labeling them a potential wiretapping incident.
The Washington Post’s report, citing an unnamed European security official, details how Szijjártó allegedly communicated directly with Moscow, bypassing standard diplomatic channels. Global Banking and Finance Review notes the timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive, coinciding with the upcoming elections.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Péter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party and a former member of Orbán’s Fidesz party, has been particularly vocal. He has accused the government of treason, stating that sharing confidential EU information with Russia “betrays Hungarian and European interests.” Magyar has called for a full investigation, suggesting that such actions could carry a life sentence.
Reactions from neighboring countries have also been swift. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed little surprise at the allegations, stating that suspicions of such behavior have long existed. He indicated this was a reason for his cautious approach to public statements regarding EU Council meetings. Polish Ministers Radosław Sikorski and Marcin Kervinski also commented on the news via X, with Sikorski stating the allegations “would explain a lot” and Kervinski labeling Szijjártó’s actions as a “betrayal of democratic Europe.”
Szijjártó’s Visits to Moscow
Adding to the scrutiny, it has been reported that Foreign Minister Szijjártó has made 16 official visits to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His most recent visit occurred on March 4, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. US News & World Report highlighted this frequency of contact as a point of concern.
Government Response
The Hungarian government has dismissed the Washington Post’s claims as “absurd.” However, the investigation ordered by Prime Minister Orbán suggests a degree of concern within the ruling party. The outcome of the probe is expected to have significant implications for Hungary’s political landscape and its relationship with the EU.