Orban's foreign minister, Szijjarto, got a job with the Chinese.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has announced he will resign from his parliamentary seat and step down from government service to take a senior position with Chinese automaker BYD, according to reports published by Hungarian media outlets. The announcement came through Szijjártó’s social media post on Facebook, which stated he would return the mandate of his parliamentary seat after receiving “an exceptional offer” from one of the world's leading global companies. Szijjártó confirmed that he will serve as head of the department for international relations and new business areas at BYD. In a statement released by Hungary’s state news agency MTI, he described BYD as one of the most successful stories in the automotive industry over the past two decades and noted its leadership in producing vehicles powered by new energy sources. The company’s Hungarian office confirmed to MTI that Szijjártó will hold a position within the firm at an international level and will not be part of the management team based in Hungary. Szijjártó has been a long-standing political ally of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Since 2002, he has served as a member of parliament representing the Fidesz party, consistently elected on its electoral list. From 2014 until April this year, he held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Orbán’s government. His decision marks a dramatic shift from public life to private sector employment, following a period during which Fidesz lost significant ground in recent elections. The move has already drawn sharp criticism from the newly appointed Hungarian prime minister, Peter Magyar. He called the resignation a continuation of the “complete collapse” of Fidesz. Magyar pointed out that Szijjártó, who previously represented foreign interests, is now officially stepping away from politics to become a manager at a Chinese company. He added that while the government had previously funded large subsidies for the company, the cost will now be borne by the actual employer rather than Hungarian taxpayers. This transition highlights the evolving relationship between Hungary and China, particularly in economic terms. Over the years, Hungary has increasingly aligned itself with Beijing, often prioritizing trade and investment agreements over traditional Western alliances. This trend has led to growing tensions with European Union partners, especially Germany and France, which have expressed concerns over Hungary’s strategic direction. Szijjártó’s departure comes amid broader changes in Hungary’s political landscape. With Fidesz losing support in recent elections, the ruling party faces internal challenges and external pressures. The loss of a key figure such as Szijjártó could further weaken the party’s influence both domestically and internationally. As the situation develops, observers will be watching how this shift affects Hungary’s foreign policy and its relationships with other nations. Whether this represents a turning point in Hungary’s geopolitical strategy or simply another step in a gradual realignment remains to be seen. For now, the focus remains on the immediate implications of Szijjártó’s new role and the potential consequences for Hungary’s political future.