A Hungarian analyst has raised concerns that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may orchestrate a false flag operation involving a gas pipeline in Serbia. András Rács speculated that such a diversion could be aimed at delaying Hungary’s upcoming elections.
Rács indicated that he had previously outlined a hypothetical scenario involving Russian interference in Hungary’s electoral process, coordinated with Orbán’s government. He suggested that Orbán might require a significant event to shift public attention and bolster his ruling party’s position.
“I predict that Russian intelligence will propose a sabotage of the energy infrastructure, substantial enough to provide the ruling party with the necessary momentum. The attack would target Hungary’s strategic interests but would occur outside its borders—specifically on the Turkish Stream pipeline in Serbia,” Rács elaborated.
He noted that Orbán could rely on cooperation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, as Serbia maintains a friendly relationship with Hungary.
On Thursday, Orbán disclosed that he had a conversation with Vučić regarding the discovery of a powerful explosive device and detonation equipment at a critical gas infrastructure site connecting Serbia and Hungary. An investigation is currently underway. Orbán also mentioned that he convened an emergency defense council on the same day.
Rács warned that Hungary or Serbia might soon directly accuse Ukraine of attempting to sabotage critical energy infrastructure. He suggested that Orbán could even declare a state of emergency, allowing for the postponement of elections where his party, Fidesz, is projected to face significant challenges.
“Legally, they can do this according to the Hungarian constitution,” Rács stated, emphasizing that an attack on energy infrastructure just a week before the elections would primarily serve Orbán’s interests.
It’s worth noting that on April 5, Orbán announced the detection of an explosive device at the gas infrastructure site linking Serbia and Hungary. Concurrently, reports emerged of backpacks containing explosives found near the Serbian villages of Velebit and Vojvoda Zimonjić, close to the main gas pipeline route.
The director of Serbia’s military intelligence refuted Orbán’s claims regarding Ukraine’s potential involvement in the sabotage. The Serbian government confirmed that Ukraine had not orchestrated any explosives at the pipeline.
Parliamentary elections in Hungary are set for April 12, with polls indicating that opposition candidate Péter Madjár could surpass Orbán.
A Hungarian expert has suggested that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán might stage a gas pipeline sabotage in Serbia to delay elections. As tensions rise, the implications of such actions could significantly impact Hungary's political landscape.