Russia Accused of Political Interference in Hungary
Péter Magyar, opposition leader and current front-runner ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the polls, accused Moscow of attempting to manipulate Hungarian politics on Thursday. He stated that Russia is openly trying to sway Hungarian voters and influence political decisions, reports 24brussels.
Magyar highlighted the historical context, noting, “The last Soviet soldier left our country in June 1991. Now their operatives are back — sometimes working undercover, sometimes openly. We know their methods: disinformation, threats, hackers, digital troll farms, smear campaigns and blackmail.”
His remarks followed an accusation from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that the European Commission is plotting to change the government in Budapest. The SVR claimed that President Ursula von der Leyen is examining ways to replace Orbán and sees Magyar as a preferred candidate among globalist elites.
This claim aligns with Orbán’s rhetoric from October 2023, when he accused the EU of trying to impose a “puppet government” in Hungary. He urged citizens to resist Brussels as they did against the Soviet army in 1956.
Magyar has demanded accountability from Russian Ambassador to Hungary, Yevgeny Stanislavov, asking for a clear explanation regarding Russia’s involvement in Hungarian domestic affairs. “I demand an immediate explanation from Russia’s ambassador to Hungary: On whose orders, and for what exact purpose, are they interfering in our domestic affairs?” he asserted.
According to recent polling, Magyar’s center-right Respect and Freedom Party holds an 8-point lead over Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, posing a significant challenge to Orbán’s 15-year tenure ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in spring.
