Outgoing Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has addressed the recent electoral defeat of Fidesz in an extensive interview, admitting that the Tisza Party’s offer appealed to more voters. He noted that the winning party will now form the government, a result he described as surprising given Fidesz’s campaign communication.
Election Analysis and War Rhetoric
Szijjártó stated that the election results aligned with the will of President Zelenskyy, asserting that Ukrainians were clearly interested in a Fidesz defeat. This comes after a campaign where Fidesz frequently suggested that a Tisza victory would lead to war and the conscription of Hungarian citizens.
When questioned about these warnings, the outgoing minister admitted he never told his own sons they would be drafted if Tisza won, as politics is not discussed at home. He also expressed doubt that he, at 48 years vintage, would be considered fit for combat on any front.
Regarding the mental health of the public during the campaign, Szijjártó maintained that Fidesz’s politics were built on a good-faith effort to protect the country from the dangers of war.
National Identity and Social Division
The minister denied that Fidesz excluded anyone from the nation, explaining that the term “national side” was used simply to describe different areas of the political landscape. He asserted that all 15 million people remain part of the Hungarian nation regardless of their political views.
Addressing accusations of hate speech, Szijjártó argued that while the government bears some responsibility for the country’s atmosphere, they are not solely to blame. He suggested that some individuals in their environment “grossly abused” the respect and diligence of government officials, which may have shaped the public’s perception.
Financial Allegations and Oligarchs
Szijjártó refused to take responsibility for the wealth of Lőrinc Mészáros, stating that Mészáros is an adult who can explain his own success. He suggested that the image of wealth surrounding Fidesz may have contributed to the election loss, noting that some individuals “exploited” the politicians.
Regarding his own finances, the minister denied being a billionaire. While he acknowledged that his wife’s interior design company, Interior Design Belsőépítészeti Kft., realizes annual profits of 400-500 million forints, he claimed this money is not part of the “family kitty.”
Russian Relations and Foreign Policy
Defending his approach to Moscow, Szijjártó rejected claims that he is a “traitor” or a “puppet” of the Russians. He stated that he consistently reported the content of his phone calls with Sergey Lavrov during foreign minister council meetings and never passed on secret information.
He described the suggestion that Russia could “hold something” over him or Viktor Orbán as offensive. He suggested that the fact that Russian forces did not bomb Hungarian-populated areas in Ukraine was “probably not accidental,” potentially due to maintained relations.
The Future of Fidesz
Looking forward, Szijjártó argued that the future of Fidesz is unimaginable without Viktor Orbán and would not support Orbán resigning as party leader. He believe the party must change, but maintains that the current front-line politicians remain essential.
The transition of power could lead to the new Tisza-led government reviewing previous government contracts and foreign relations. Szijjártó stated he would support a request to Russia for the extradition of Béla Kovács, should the new government pursue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Szijjártó believe Fidesz lost the election?
He stated that more people believed the Tisza Party and found their offers more appealing. He also suggested that some individuals “exploited” Fidesz politicians, which may have influenced the public image and the final result.
What is the status of the minister’s family wealth?
Szijjártó denies being a billionaire. He noted that while his wife’s company earns 400-500 million forints in annual profit, these funds are used for living and investments and are not counted as part of the family’s immediate cash reserves.
How did the minister respond to accusations of being pro-Russian?
He stated that he has never served Russian interests and that his focus was on building good relationships to facilitate end the war as quickly as possible. He considers accusations of treason or being a puppet to be offensive.
Do you believe a political party can successfully reinvent itself while keeping its original front-line leadership?
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