Krystyna Kazakova23:17, 07.08.26

The reason for the investigation was Peter Szijjarto’s new appointment at the Chinese car manufacturer BYD.

The case of former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has been transferred to the Budapest Police Headquarters. He is suspected of receiving a bribe for his appointment to a position at the Chinese company BYD, Index reports.

The publication shared that since Peter Szijjártó is no longer a member of the National Assembly, he does not have immunity. If found guilty, he faces a prison sentence of up to three years.

It is noted that the investigation against Peter Szijjártó was initiated after a public figure, István Tenya, made a statement about possible bribery. The reason for this was the new appointment of a former official at the Chinese car manufacturer BYD.

According to Prime Minister Péter Magyar, Szijjártó’s appointment to a senior position at global giant BYD could be a public “thank you” for assisting in the construction of the automaker’s plant in Szeged when he was a minister.

“Such a large company hires such a person only when it wants to thank him for the help he provided it while he was a minister. Signing a contract with the Chinese global giant BYD means entering into the service of the Communist Party of China. A Hungarian patriotic politician cannot and will not do such a thing. Meanwhile, leading Fidesz politicians are abandoning the sinking ship one by one, and today they have already announced the creation of a new party,” Magyar noted.

The prosecutor’s office explained that such actions may fall under the article on obtaining unlawful benefits in the interests of a business organization.

The publication said that the complaint was initially considered by the Metropolitan Investigative Prosecutor’s Office, but due to Szijjártó’s lack of parliamentary immunity and the specific nature of the crime, the materials were forwarded to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK).

At the same time, the national security risks associated with Szijjártó’s appointment to a Chinese company are being considered by the National Security Committee of the Hungarian Parliament.

(C)UNIAN 2026