Szijjártó attends parliamentary hearing over BYD job and past investment support
Hungary’s former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó appeared before parliament’s National Security Committee over his executive job at BYD. The closed hearing examines possible security risks and questions about state support he helped arrange while in office. Szijjártó defended the investment incentives as normal practice. Accusations and committee scrutiny do not establish that he broke the law.
Geopolitics··Evening
A closed hearing examines Szijjártó’s new job
Hungary’s former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó appeared before parliament’s National Security Committee on October 5 over his senior job at Chinese carmaker BYD. Telex reports that committee chairman István Apáti launched the inquiry in September to examine the employment relationship and possible security risks. 24.hu corroborates the hearing and says the closed session lasted nearly two hours. Szijjártó left his parliamentary seat in the summer before taking the company role, following twelve years as foreign minister.[1], [2]
Investment support draws questions and a defence
Tisza committee member Pál Czakó-Czirbus alleged that foreign-ministry documents showed billions of forints in state-supported roads, railway and drinking-water infrastructure associated with BYD. Before the hearing, Szijjártó said the factory’s support remained within the usual subsidy framework. He argued that infrastructure near Szeged had been discussed with city authorities and served local residents. The dispute concerns decisions made while he was in government; the committee member’s allegation does not itself establish illegality.[1]
The committee’s answers remain behind closed doors
Telex says the hearing’s transcript will not be made public or posted on parliament’s website. Public comments before the meeting therefore provide only part of the account. 24.hu reports that Szijjártó declined to comment afterwards and records differing reactions from Tisza and Fidesz–KDNP. Their responses express political positions. The hearing confirms scrutiny of the former minister’s move to BYD, but the reports do not announce a final finding of misconduct or a published committee conclusion.[1], [2]
