A high-profile political figure faces renewed scrutiny as authorities shift the case to police investigators. Questions are growing over business ties and potential legal consequences.
The case regarding the alleged receipt of undue benefits by former Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó has been transferred from the prosecutor’s office to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK). If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison.
Proceedings were initiated on July 16 following a complaint by civic activist István Tényi, who reported possible bribery. In his statement, he referred to public remarks made by Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
In particular, Magyar, after Szijjártó’s appointment, noted that a large company might hire such an individual as a form of gratitude for assistance previously provided while in public office. He also linked the signing of a contract with the Chinese company BYD to effectively serving the interests of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Budapest prosecutor’s office, after reviewing the materials, concluded that the described circumstances may indicate signs of a crime – receiving benefits in connection with activities for a business entity. Since Szijjártó no longer holds a parliamentary mandate and the corresponding immunity, he may be held criminally liable.
At the same time, the Hungarian Parliament’s Committee on National Security is examining potential risks to state security associated with his new role at BYD.
It is also known that Szijjártó had previously filed a complaint against Magyar, but later withdrew it.
Political context and international contacts
Péter Szijjártó was for a long time one of the key figures in Viktor Orbán’s government. It was during his tenure as head of the foreign policy department that relations between Budapest and Kyiv significantly deteriorated.
Among the notable events was Viktor Orbán’s blocking of a decision to allocate €90 billion in aid to Ukraine during a European Council summit. At the time, the Hungarian side explained its position by demanding the restoration of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
In Brussels, it was suggested that this stance might be linked not only to energy interests but also to domestic political factors, including preparations for elections.
There were also reports of contacts between Szijjártó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during meetings within the EU.
According to a European security official, Szijjártó regularly called Lavrov during breaks, providing “real-time reports on what was being discussed” and also proposing possible solutions.
– European security official
The source also noted that through such contacts, the Russian side had for a long time received information about the progress of negotiations within the European Union.
After the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Szijjártó made 16 official trips to Moscow. His most recent visit took place on March 4, when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The investigation is ongoing, and its results will determine дальнейший розвиток ситуації and possible legal consequences for the former official.