Information
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar, currently leading Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the polls, has accused Russia of direct political interference in Hungary. In a Facebook post, Magyar claimed that Moscow is once again trying to sway Hungarian voters, using tactics such as disinformation, threats, hacking, troll farms, smear campaigns, and blackmail. He compared the situation to Soviet influence before 1991, warning that Russian operatives are now active both openly and covertly. His comments came after Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service alleged that the European Commission was plotting a regime change in Budapest, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supposedly favouring Magyar as the next prime minister.
The SVR’s statement mirrors Orbán’s past accusations against the EU, including claims in October 2023 that Brussels sought to install a “puppet government” in Hungary, likening the situation to Hungary’s resistance against Soviet troops in 1956. In response to Moscow’s remarks, Magyar demanded an immediate explanation from Russian Ambassador Yevgeny Stanislavov, questioning whose orders and purposes were behind the alleged meddling. Magyar’s centre-right Respect and Freedom Party (Tisza) currently holds an 8-point lead over Orbán’s ruling right-wing Fidesz party, posing a serious challenge to the prime minister’s 15-year grip on power ahead of next spring’s parliamentary elections.
Source: Reuters, Politico
So What
The upcoming Hungarian election is expected to serve as another test case for the effectiveness of Russian disinformation and its potential impact on electoral outcomes. This election is particularly significant for Russia in Europe, as Hungary is one of the last EU countries resisting increased support for Ukraine. If Prime Minister Orban loses this election, it could lead to a boost in EU support for Ukraine. However, it’s also possible that Slovakia might intensify its opposition to fill any resulting gap. Regardless, this election will be one to watch closely.
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