Hungary Launches Investigation into Former Foreign Minister Szijjártó's Russian Contacts

Hungary's new government has initiated an investigation into former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regarding his contacts with Russia. Prime Minister Péter Magyar confirmed on Thursday that law enforcement agencies are handling the case but declined to provide details. He mentioned the existence of classified documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other materials, promising to inform the public when new information emerges.

Magyar had pledged to launch such an investigation during his election campaign, accusing Szijjártó of treason. Szijjártó served as Hungary's foreign minister from September 2014 to May 2026, having previously been the personal representative of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The investigation focuses on Szijjártó's close ties with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Earlier, The Washington Post reported that Szijjártó regularly called Lavrov during high-level EU meetings, providing real-time updates on discussions. Szijjártó denied the report but acknowledged consulting with Lavrov before and after EU foreign ministers' meetings about agendas and decisions.

In March, while the Orbán government was still in power, espionage charges were brought against a Hungarian journalist who had investigated Szijjártó's communications with Lavrov. Those charges were dropped after the new government took office.