Cyberattack Hits Opposition Party “Tisza”
On November 9, 2025, The Financial Times published an interview with Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary’s opposition party Tisza, in which he accused Russian-linked hackers of attacking his party’s servers. Magyar said the attack compromised sensitive data, marking a clear attempt to disrupt Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections. He pointed to a recent statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that accused the EU, Ukraine, and his party of conspiring to overthrow Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Magyar called the claim “blatant disinformation,” adding that “Vladimir Putin has begun interfering in the campaign.”
Earlier this month, personal data of more than 200,000 Tisza supporters were leaked online, including phone numbers, emails, and home addresses. The information, stolen from the party’s mobile app, was later uploaded to an interactive map, allowing users to locate supporters by name and address—an act described by Magyar as “an attempt to intimidate voters.” According to Závecz Research, Tisza currently leads polls with 48% support, compared to 37% for Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.
Political Stakes and Russian Influence
The attack comes at a critical moment in Hungary’s political landscape. After more than 15 years in power, Viktor Orbán has consolidated control over media, courts, and the electoral system, creating what critics describe as a “managed autocracy.” His government frequently clashes with EU institutions and blocks key European decisions, while promoting eurosceptic and pro-Kremlin narratives. Orbán remains the only EU leader to openly maintain close ties with Moscow—opposing sanctions, striking energy deals with Russia, and using anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to appeal to nationalist voters.
Péter Magyar, who has emerged as a credible challenger, argues that Russia has a strategic interest in keeping Orbán in power, as Budapest serves as one of Moscow’s few allies inside the EU. He claims the cyberattack is part of a broader hybrid campaign to influence the election outcome and preserve Hungary’s pro-Russian course. Analysts suggest that a victory for Tisza could redefine Hungary’s foreign policy—strengthening ties with the EU and Ukraine, supporting tougher sanctions on Russia, and ending Orbán’s obstruction of European unity.
The Tisza hack, experts warn, mirrors previous Russian interference operations in the U.S., France, and Germany, aimed at undermining democratic institutions. As Hungary moves toward potentially transformative elections, the attack underscores how cyberwarfare has become a key instrument in Moscow’s strategy to shape European politics.
