Magyar Seeks Guarantees against Meddling
Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar has officially demanded assurances from Russia that it will not interfere with the country’s politics. Magyar, whose Tisza Party is currently ahead of the polls ahead of next spring’s parliamentary election, insisted that bilateral cooperation with Moscow is not possible in the absence of respect for Hungary’s sovereignty.
Earlier this week, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) issued a statement branding Magyar as loyal to “globalist elites” and claiming the European Commission was mulling “regime change in Budapest.” Magyar hit back by posting an open letter to the Russian ambassador to Hungary, requesting clarification on the supposed meaning and effect of the SVR statement.
“I request explicit guarantees that the Russian Federation will not undertake any actions that would constitute interference in Hungary’s internal affairs, such as disinformation campaigns, cyber-activity, or intimidation of political leaders and citizens,” Magyar wrote in the letter published on Facebook on Sunday (August 17). The Russian Embassy in Budapest could not be reached for comment immediately.
Orban’s Moscow Links in Focus
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who took office in 2010, has been accused by other European Union leaders of having too close a relationship with Moscow and refusing to provide military aid to Ukraine. Orban has even accused EU leaders of conspiring to overthrow him, adding to the complexity of Hungary’s politics.
Magyar, a former government staffer, has been an advocate of pragmatic relations with Moscow, pointing out the nation’s crucial role as Hungary’s major energy source and participant in the development of the Paks nuclear facility. He maintained, however, that the SVR statement went too far, sounding like a blatant effort to sway Hungarian voters.
Democracy and Sovereignty at Stake
“Hungary’s sovereignty and the inviolability of our democratic processes cannot be negotiable,” Magyar explained. “Compliance with these principles is the minimum requirement for any meaningful bilateral cooperation between our countries.” The opposition leader’s plea comes as Hungary becomes increasingly wary of foreign influence amid a critical election period, reflecting the balancing act between diplomacy and democratic integrity in a nation that is a member of NATO but still friendly with Moscow.
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