Orbán's former foreign minister goes to work for Chinese car giant BYD: storms in Hungary

Péter Szijjártó, former foreign minister under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has announced his departure from the Hungarian Parliament to take up a senior role with Chinese automotive giant BYD. The move has sparked controversy within Hungary and beyond, highlighting the complex political and economic ties between Budapest and Beijing. Szijjártó, who served as foreign minister from 2014 until early this year, resigned from parliament after announcing his new position with BYD. He shared the news on social media, stating he had received a prestigious offer from a global company. “BYD is one of the greatest success stories in the automotive industry over the past two decades and is also the world’s leading producer of alternative energy vehicles,” he wrote. He will serve as head of the group’s external relations and new business development. This transition from politics to corporate life mirrors similar moves by other European ex-leaders, yet it has ignited a political firestorm in Hungary. As a key figure in Fidesz, Szijjártó was instrumental in shaping Orbán’s foreign policy, which often challenged the European Union. His tenure saw Hungary leveraging its right to veto EU decisions, particularly during the war in Ukraine. By blocking sanctions against Russia and supporting Moscow, Hungary secured financial benefits, including billions in frozen EU funds. However, these actions drew criticism from EU leaders, resulting in infringement procedures and strained relations. In March, an international investigation revealed that Szijjártó maintained direct communication with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his aides, even before and after EU meetings. While he dismissed the inquiry as biased, he denied sharing sensitive information with Moscow. Now, his new role with BYD brings him closer to another major power, China, which the EU views with suspicion due to its trade practices and geopolitical influence. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar criticized the decision, calling it a sign of the continued decline of Fidesz. “The complete disintegration of the former state party continues,” he remarked. “Szijjártó is leaving politics to become a director of a Chinese company that previously pressured the government for substantial state subsidies.” During his time in office, Szijjártó actively promoted Chinese investments in Hungary, securing large subsidies for BYD. In 2023, he announced the opening of BYD’s first European factory in Hungary, allowing the company to bypass EU tariffs on electric vehicles. Last year, BYD confirmed plans to establish its European headquarters in Budapest by year-end. This career shift marks a significant step for Szijjártó, moving from public service to private enterprise. It underscores the evolving relationship between Hungary and China, with economic interests driving political decisions. As BYD expands its presence in Europe, its partnership with Hungary reflects broader trends of strategic alignment between the two nations, despite ongoing tensions with the EU. The implications of this move remain to be seen, but it signals a growing integration of Hungarian leadership into the global supply chains of major Asian powers.