A controversial video posted by Alexandra Szentkirályi, a close ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has ignited backlash both at home and abroad. The video, which shows a bound man in a car trunk, includes a voiceover claiming that Ukraine’s accession to the EU will lead to a surge in human trafficking and organ trade.
The clip quickly drew sharp criticism from political opponents and civil society groups, with many accusing Szentkirályi of spreading dangerous misinformation.
Opposition Slams “Irresponsible Provocation”
Ferenc Gelencsér, a Hungarian opposition MP, condemned the video as a “dangerous fake”, warning that it could incite public unrest. He has vowed to report the incident to the police, citing a potential breach of public order laws.
“This kind of content undermines democratic debate and creates fear based on fiction,” Gelencsér said in a public statement, adding that such tactics only serve to polarize society further.
Plot Twist: “Victim” Is Orbán’s Own Staffer
In a bizarre twist, it was later confirmed that the supposed “victim” in the trunk is, in fact, a staff member from Prime Minister Orbán’s own office. This revelation has fueled accusations that the video was not only staged but orchestrated at the highest political levels to manipulate public opinion.
Backdrop: Hungary’s “Referendum” on Ukraine’s EU Membership
The scandal unfolds amid Hungary’s ongoing “referendum” on Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union — a process initiated by Orbán’s government. Though critics argue the referendum lacks legal legitimacy at the EU level, it has become a domestic political tool. Orbán himself has already voted against Ukraine’s accession.
Hungary has long been seen as a thorn in the EU’s side, often opposing Brussels’ stance on Ukraine, Russia, and democratic values. This latest video controversy only deepens the divide between pro-European voices and Orbán’s nationalist government.
A Climate of Disinformation and Division
The video is part of a broader pattern in Hungarian politics, where propaganda tactics and misinformation are increasingly used to shape public perception. Observers warn that such actions risk not only Hungary’s relationship with the EU but also undermine regional stability during a time of war on the continent.
As Ukraine continues to push for full EU membership, it remains to be seen how far Hungary’s government is willing to go to block the process — and how long the European Union will tolerate it.
