Full Breakdown
Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Faces National Security Probe Over BYD Role
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Parliamentary Hearing on BYD Appointment
On 5 October, former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó spent about three hours before the Parliament’s National Security Committee answering questions about his move to Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD after resigning his parliamentary seat on 15 July. The closed hearing follows a classified session on 22 July and the formal opening of the investigation on 16 September.
Background and Context
Szijjártó served as Hungary’s foreign minister for 12 years under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He championed the “Eastern Opening” policy that attracted Chinese investment, notably negotiating BYD’s flagship factory near Szeged and announcing that BYD would locate its European headquarters and an R&D centre in Budapest in 2025. The project received 20 billion forints (? $63.7 million) in government assistance. The inquiry occurs months after the 12 April election that ended Orbán’s 16-year rule.
Official Statements & Responses
He described the permit allowing thousands of Chinese specialists to work in Hungary as a temporary measure that expires in mid-2027.
Foreign-Ministry parliamentary state secretary György László Velkey called the documents he heard “shattering” and described the picture they painted as “extremely concerning.”
Criticism & Opposition
Committee member Pál Czakó-Czirbus warned that Szijjártó’s 12 years of strategic and classified knowledge could pose a national-security risk if transferred to a foreign corporation, and left open the possibility of summoning former Prime Minister Orbán.
A private police complaint alleging possible bribery over the BYD appointment was dismissed in September for lack of suspicion.
Data & Statistics
- 20 billion forints (~$63.7 million) government assistance for the Szeged plant.
- Permit for Chinese specialists valid until mid-2027.
- Investigation opened 16 September; hearing held 5 October; earlier classified session on 22 July.
- BYD’s Szeged facility is the first European plant of its kind.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I consider it a great success that this factory came to Hungary,” — Péter Szijjártó, former foreign minister — Péter Szijjártó, former foreign minister.