Russian military intelligence oversees Hungarian elections, said candidate Madiar 0 10

The leader of the Hungarian opposition party 'Tisza', Peter Madiar, stated that Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited employees of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of Russia to the country to interfere in the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. In a post on his Facebook page, Madiar claims that several weeks ago, individuals associated with the Russian military intelligence arrived in Budapest under diplomatic cover. 'Their task is to influence the Hungarian elections. The same was done earlier in Moldova,' the opposition figure reported, calling the situation 'absolutely unprecedented.'

According to Madiar, the current government, 'which is about to fall,' is trying to hold on with the help of external interference. He demanded the immediate expulsion of Russian agents, the convening of the National Security Committee, and a full report to parliament on the information received from allies regarding the Russian operation. 'Hungary needs leadership that will not put the country at risk from either the East or the West... Long live a free, independent, European Hungary!' the politician emphasized, adding that Budapest's interests lie in remaining a predictable and reliable partner for allies.

Earlier, the VSquare portal published an investigation stating that Vladimir Putin personally instructed the first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration, Sergey Kiriyenko, to ensure Orban's victory. According to sources from the publication, three GRU employees are operating in Budapest under diplomatic cover, engaging in social media manipulation and coordinating actions with the organizers of Orban's 'Fidesz' party campaign. The scheme, according to investigators, replicates the Moldovan scenario of 2024, when Russia attempted to discredit pro-Western President Maia Sandu. Sources in the intelligence services of several EU and NATO countries confirmed that they are monitoring the situation's development.

The allegations of interference come amid falling ratings for the ruling party. As reported by Bloomberg and Reuters, polls show a gap of 12–20 percentage points in favor of 'Tisza', which could give the opposition a majority in parliament.

Orban regularly speaks out against military aid to Ukraine, blocks its Euro-integration, and spreads pro-Russian narratives. Madiar, on the other hand, promises assistance to Ukraine and wants to strengthen Hungary's pro-Western course.