Hungary's leading opposition figure has leveled extraordinary accusations against Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, alleging he is colluding with Russia and calling it an act of treason punishable by life imprisonment. The allegations threaten to explode into a major political crisis in Budapest with far-reaching implications for EU unity on Ukraine policy.
Peter Magyar, leader of the TISZA party and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's most formidable challenger, made the incendiary claims Sunday, stating: "Based on current information, Peter Szijjarto is colluding with the Russians, thereby betraying Hungarian and European interests. This is treason, punishable by life imprisonment. A future TISZA government will immediately investigate the matter."
The allegations come as Hungary faces mounting pressure from Brussels over its Russia-friendly stance. Prime Minister Orbán has consistently blocked or diluted EU sanctions against Moscow, maintained close economic ties with Russian energy companies, and refused to provide military aid to Ukraine—positions that have isolated Budapest within the European Union.
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. Szijjarto has been the public face of Hungary's Russia policy for years, meeting regularly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov even after the invasion of Ukraine. He has defended Hungary's continued purchase of Russian gas and oil as essential to national interests, arguing that sanctions hurt Europe more than .



