Members of the European Parliament have expressed significant concerns regarding the integrity of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, scheduled for this Sunday. They cited potential foreign interference and state pressure as major threats to free and fair voting.
Five prominent MEPs articulated their “serious doubts” about the electoral process, urging the European Commission to assess how disinformation, misuse of state resources, and foreign meddling are undermining democratic competition in Hungary.
In their letter, the lawmakers stated, “Conditions for free and fair democratic competition in Hungary are being eroded by disinformation and foreign interference.” They specifically pointed to covert support for the ruling Fidesz party’s electoral campaign allegedly linked to Russian military intelligence.
Additionally, they highlighted the emergence of fake media networks disseminating false information about opposition leader Péter Márki-Zay. A notable case mentioned was that of investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi, who has faced espionage charges from the Hungarian government following his reports on connections to Moscow.
“The Hungarian government has brought criminal charges against him for alleged espionage, accompanied by a public campaign portraying him as a national threat,” the letter stated.
Recent revelations have also surfaced regarding a secret 12-point plan between Hungary and Russia aimed at significantly enhancing economic and energy ties. Opposition figures have labeled this document the “Moscow Protocol.” In addition, a scandal erupted over leaked conversations between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin, forcing Orbán to defend his perceived subservience to the Kremlin, claiming he is “willing to be Putin’s mouse” for the country’s interests.
Media reports have further unveiled troubling testimonies regarding Orbán’s past, with a former Budapest crime figure alleging that gangsters financed his initial political campaigns in the 1990s.
European Parliament members have raised alarms about the integrity of Hungary's upcoming elections, citing foreign interference and state pressure. They have called for an evaluation of the electoral climate, highlighting concerns over disinformation and the treatment of journalists.