Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his attacks on the opposition party Tisza, accusing it of links to Ukrainian intelligence in a statement released on October 10, 2025. During an interview with state radio — excerpts of which were shared on his official X profile — Orban alleged that Ukrainian operatives had “infiltrated” Hungarian political life through pro-Ukrainian groups.
“They have penetrated our society and politics, providing technological assistance to their allies to seize power,” Orban said. “We used to say the Russians were in the pantry — now we must say the Ukrainians are in your smartphone. We will not let this go unnoticed.” His remarks followed earlier claims accusing Tisza of serving foreign interests.
Context of the latest allegations
Orban’s comments appeared to reference a report by Hungarian outlet Index suggesting that Ukrainian company PettersonApps might have participated in developing Tisza’s campaign application. The report also mentioned a data leak involving the personal information of 18,000 users. Tisza’s press office denied the allegations, stating that only Hungarian specialists worked on the app and that the party had no knowledge of how the leaked data emerged.
Political stakes ahead of the 2026 elections
The renewed attacks come as Hungary enters a tense pre-election period. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 2026, but the campaign is already underway. Orban’s Fidesz party faces mounting economic challenges, including slowing growth and soaring inflation. Economists warn that Hungary may be nearing recession, while the European Commission continues to withhold key subsidies and financial aid due to Budapest’s persistent breaches of rule-of-law standards.
Political observers suggest that if the elections are free and transparent, Orban’s Fidesz could lose power to emerging opposition forces — particularly Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, whose popularity has been rising steadily.
Disputes over Moscow’s interference
The latest confrontation follows previous clashes between the government and Tisza over alleged Russian involvement in Hungarian politics. On August 13, 2025, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that Brussels considered Orban’s government a major obstacle to European unity. The statement described Tisza’s leader Peter Magyar as “loyal to globalist elites.” Magyar responded by accusing Moscow of direct interference in Hungary’s internal affairs, calling the Russian statement “a deliberate act of political manipulation.”
Growing domestic discontent
Public frustration with Orban’s leadership has intensified in recent months. Large-scale demonstrations were held in Budapest on March 15, September 21, and October 5, 2025, criticizing the government’s economic failures and inflation surge. Protesters also expressed anger over Orban’s close personal ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s increasingly warm relations with Moscow.
Analysts note that Orban’s sharp rhetoric against the opposition — now including unsubstantiated claims of Ukrainian infiltration — reflects the growing pressure on the ruling Fidesz party as it faces declining public support and international isolation.
