Allegations of Intelligence Operations in Brussels Ahead of Hungarian Elections
As Hungary approaches its parliamentary elections in April, politician Péter Magyar has accused Olivér Várhelyi, the current EU Commissioner and former EU Ambassador, of withholding critical information during an official investigation. In a recent Facebook post, Magyar, who currently leads in polls against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, stated that Várhelyi “did not reveal the whole truth” regarding intelligence activities, reports 24brussels.
Várhelyi, who served as Hungary’s ambassador to the EU from 2015 to 2019 after working as deputy ambassador starting in 2011, has not publicly addressed Magyar’s claims, despite inquiries from several outlets regarding the allegations.
In his accusations, Magyar also implicated János Lázár, a prominent Hungarian government minister, suggesting that it was “a common fact” that secret service personnel operated in Brussels when Lázár managed EU affairs from 2012 to 2018. Lázár has not directly commented on the allegations but recently mentioned in the Hungarian press that he does not remember specific details about intelligence operations, stating, “my duty is to protect my country.”
In further remarks, Lázár expressed his support for any enacted intelligence measures: “If Hungarian intelligence had gone to Brussels … I would honor them, not reprimand them. That is their role: to defend the nation’s interests. Their job is to safeguard the country’s independence.”
The unfolding situation raises questions about the integrity of Hungary’s political atmosphere as the April elections draw closer, highlighting potential conflicts of interest and the role of intelligence operations within EU discussions.
Csongor Körömi contributed reporting.
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