Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Joins Chinese EV Giant BYD

On Wednesday, Péter Szijjártó, who served as Hungary’s foreign minister for nearly 12 years and had been a member of parliament since 2002, resigned his parliamentary seat to become an executive at Chinese automaker BYD. In his new role he will oversee external relations and develop new business lines for the company, which is constructing its first European car factory in southern Hungary.

Associated PressFormer Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó left parliament to work for Chinese auto giant BYD

During his tenure, Szijjártó was a chief architect of Hungary’s “opening to the East” strategy, facilitating substantial state subsidies for Chinese firms. He negotiated the establishment of BYD’s European headquarters, a research and development centre in Budapest, and a 20-billion-forint assistance package announced for 2025. The BYD plant allows the company to bypass EU import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, and the government also supported a rail corridor linking Hungary and Serbia as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative. Szijjártó’s efforts positioned BYD as “one of the greatest success stories in the automotive industry over the past 20 years,” according to his own statement.

Associated PressFormer Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó left parliament to work for Chinese auto giant BYD

Szijjártó announced on Facebook that he had received “a highly prestigious offer” from BYD and that he would “continue my work as the executive responsible for the group’s external relations and the development of new business lines.” Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who succeeded Viktor Orbán’s government, posted on social media that Szijjártó “long represented foreign interests” and had “previously lobbied to secure massive Hungarian state subsidies” for BYD. Magyar added that the move may clarify “whose interests the former foreign minister of the failed Orbán government represented in connection with the … investments in the battery and automotive industries.”

Associated PressFormer Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó left parliament to work for Chinese auto giant BYD

Critics argue that Szijjártó’s transition underscores a conflict of interest, noting his role in directing large subsidies to BYD while in office. Observers also highlight his broader pro-Russian stance, describing him as a frequent interlocutor with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and a “face of obstructionism in Brussels” for opposing EU sanctions on Russia and criticism of China. The resignation has intensified debate over the influence of foreign capital on Hungary’s economic policy.

Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó left parliament to work for Chinese auto giant BYD

• “BYD is one of the greatest success stories in the automotive industry over the past 20 years,” — Péter Szijjártó

Associated Press

• “Starting today, I will continue my work as the executive responsible for the group’s external relations and the development of new business lines.” — Péter Szijjártó

Associated Press

• “In hindsight, it may now become clear even to Fidesz voters whose interests the former foreign minister of the failed Orbán government represented in connection with the ... investments in the battery and automotive industries,” — Prime Minister Péter Magyar

Associated Press

• “long represented foreign interests” — Prime Minister Péter Magyar

Associated Press