Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced an official investigation into former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, citing allegations of high treason linked to his past conduct regarding Russia. The probe, involving classified documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows reports of systematic efforts to influence European Union policy in favor of the Kremlin, according to 444.hu.
The Allegations Against Péter Szijjártó
The investigation centers on claims that Szijjártó facilitated policies that protected Russian interests within the EU. A joint investigation by The Insider, Frontstory, VSquare, Delfi Estonia, and ICJK previously alleged that the Hungarian government blocked essential sanctions against Russia while increasing political pressure on Ukraine. Journalists involved in the probe cited intercepted communications between Szijjártó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as primary evidence of these ties.
Did you know?
Péter Szijjártó served as Hungary’s Foreign Minister from 2014 until the end of Viktor Orbán’s administration, acting as the primary architect of the “Opening to the East” doctrine.
Corporate Shift to BYD
He is set to join the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD as a director responsible for external relations and market development. Prime Minister Magyar addressed the career change on social media, stating that Szijjártó is simply moving from a government payroll to his “actual employer.”
BYD Hungary has clarified that Szijjártó will not hold a role in the company’s local management. This transition comes as the automaker faces intense scrutiny from Brussels. According to Euobserver, the European Union launched an investigation in 2025 into potential illegal state aid provided to BYD for its manufacturing facility in Szeged, citing concerns over massive subsidies from both the Hungarian and Chinese governments.
The “Opening to the East” Economic Legacy
The controversy highlights the broader risks associated with Hungary’s “Opening to the East” policy, which prioritized deep economic integration with China and Russia. Over the last decade, the Hungarian government secured approximately one-quarter of all Chinese investment flowing into Europe. This strategy relied heavily on aggressive tax incentives and infrastructure projects to attract corporate giants such as Huawei and BYD.
FAQ: Investigating Foreign Ties in Hungary
- Why is Péter Szijjártó under investigation?
Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the probe due to suspicions of high treason related to alleged ties with Russia during his tenure as Foreign Minister. - What is the status of the BYD investigation?
The European Union is currently investigating whether the company received illegal state subsidies for its plant in Szeged. - Is Szijjártó managing BYD’s Hungarian operations?
No. BYD Hungary has stated that he will not be part of the company’s local management team.
To stay updated on the legal proceedings involving former government officials, monitor the official disclosures from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EU regulatory filings regarding state aid.
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