Hungary Accused of Leaking Sensitive Information to Russia

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban Orders Probe into Alleged Wiretapping of Foreign Minister

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has launched an investigation into allegations that his foreign minister was wiretapped, according to reports. The Washington Post reported on Saturday that Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto had regularly called his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during breaks in EU meetings to provide information about negotiations with the European Union.

Szijjarto has denied the report as “fake news” and “senseless conspiracy theories”. The European Commission has called for clarification from Hungary regarding the allegations. A spokesperson for the commission stated that a relationship of trust between member states and the institution is fundamental for EU work, and expressed expectations for Hungarian government clarifications.

The allegations come at a tense moment in relations between Budapest and the EU. Last week, Hungary blocked a loan of 90 billion euros to Ukraine at an EU leaders’ gathering, sparking anger among officials in Brussels. Germany has described the allegations against Hungary as “very serious”. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also commented on the matter, stating that the report should not have come as a surprise.

Orban has ordered an investigation into the alleged wiretapping of his foreign minister, citing evidence and indications of who may be behind it. The investigation is ongoing, with details to be released in due course.

Source: Al Jazeera