Orban's Ex-Minister Szijjártó Joins Chinese EV Maker BYD, Faces Conflict of Interest Accusations

Former Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó is stepping down from parliament to assume a leading position at Chinese electric car maker BYD. This move has ignited strong reactions, with Péter Magyar, the prime minister and leader of the Tisza party, leveling accusations of serious moral and legal questions arising from Szijjártó's transition to the company.

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Joining BYD means putting yourself in the service of the Chinese Communist Party.

Magyar contends that Szijjártó, during his tenure as minister, consistently advocated for Chinese automotive and battery projects in Hungary, including state subsidies for BYD. He argues that Szijjártó's subsequent move to BYD constitutes a direct conflict of interest and equates to serving the Chinese Communist Party. "Joining BYD means putting yourself in the service of the Chinese Communist Party," Magyar stated, adding that Szijjártó will now be paid by his new employer rather than Hungarian taxpayers, raising concerns about the interplay between politics and major business interests.

Supporters within Szijjártó's former party, Fidesz, have framed his new role positively, suggesting he will become "the most important and significant Hungarian manager in the world" given BYD's global stature. However, Magyar interprets Szijjártó's departure, along with others from Fidesz, as evidence of a "collapse" within the ruling party, likening it to people abandoning a "sinking ship." He pointed to other prominent members who have left public life or sought new positions.

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the collapse of Fidesz

Szijjártó served as Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2014. Throughout his mandate, he was a key proponent of strengthening economic ties with China, particularly in the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing sectors. BYD, a major global electric car producer, has been expanding its European presence and has initiated significant investment projects in Hungary with government backing.

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the most important and significant Hungarian manager in the world