Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary's opposition Tisza party, has accused Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of inviting Russian intelligence operatives into the country to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Magyar claimed that Orbán is the first Hungarian leader since communist-era Prime Minister János Kádár to "invite the Russians" into the country, demanding an immediate halt to foreign electoral interference.
"According to information from several sources, men from Russian military intelligence (GRU) arrived in Budapest weeks ago with the goal and mission of influencing the outcome of the Hungarian elections," Magyar wrote. "They did the same earlier in Moldova."
The opposition leader described the situation as "absolutely unprecedented," asserting that a government "on the verge of collapse" is resorting to external interference to secure its grip on power.
"I call on Viktor Orbán to immediately stop this operation and expel the Russian intelligence officers who arrived here under diplomatic cover," Magyar stated.
He also demanded the immediate convening of the National Security Committee for a full briefing on the matter. "As the future head of government, I demand an immediate explanation of what information the Hungarian government received from the services of allied countries about Russian interference, and why it has not yet taken action regarding this unprecedented Russian operation," he added.
Magyar emphasized that Hungary needs leadership that protects the country from Eastern threats, citing both Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He stressed that Hungary's national interest lies in remaining a stable, predictable, and reliable partner to its Western allies.
Warning that Orbán's "desperate actions" weaken the country's security and sovereignty, Magyar invoked the memory of the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising, noting its upcoming 70th anniversary. "Hungarians will not stand idly by while Viktor Orbán invites the Russians upon us," he wrote.
Hungary's parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 12. They will be the country's tenth democratic elections since 1990. Magyar urged high voter turnout to demonstrate the will of the Hungarian people, concluding his post with a clear message: "Long live a free, independent, European Hungary! Russians go home!"