Ruszin-Szendi Romulusz case exposes ‘cognitive dissonance,’ Magyar Nemzet says

The proposed appointment of Szuvák Attila as director-general has become a test of the Tisza government’s staffing, while critics accuse Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi of applying a double standard in his attacks on the Orbán era.

HVG reported that the Office of the President rejected Szuvák’s promotion to general for legal reasons. The promotion would be needed for his formal appointment as director-general. According to journalist Szabolcs Panyi, the nomination points to a shortage of suitable personnel within a future Tisza government.

Parliament’s national security committee is due to hear Szuvák on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. The session will take place behind closed doors, meaning the media will not be able to report what is said there.

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I have not discussed any personnel matter with Szabolcs Panyi

The article then turns to Panyi’s role. It describes what it calls a case of “cognitive dissonance” in Ruszin-Szendi’s criticism of the NER, the Hungarian political system associated with Viktor Orbán. Magyar Nemzet previously reported that a leaked recording, which emerged in March 2026, allegedly showed Panyi discussing contact with foreign intelligence services and sharing former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s phone number with the intelligence service of an EU member state. The recording also allegedly showed Panyi claiming influence over foreign-policy appointments under a possible Tisza government and maintaining close ties with Anita Orbán.

Anita Orbán firmly denied the claims. She said she had not discussed personnel matters with Panyi and had no connection to the surveillance described in the recording. The article’s description criticizes the defense minister for attacking the Orbán government while avoiding a new confrontation with Panyi.

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I have no connection whatsoever with the wiretaps mentioned in the case