Officers of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia, describes “WP”, proposed a way to “fundamentally change the entire paradigm of the election campaign” – “organizing an attack on Viktor Orban.”
“Such an incident will change the perception of the campaign from the sphere of rational socio-economic issues to an emotional one, in which the main topics will become state security and the stability and defense of the political system,” Russian agents wrote in their report.
“Russians will do anything”
Commenting on the mood in Hungary in an interview with an American daily, one Western official admitted that “anything can happen there.” “I have never seen Fidesz so nervous,” said another interlocutor, referring to Orban's party.
“Panic is growing in the ruling party and I think they may take ill-considered steps to maintain power,” said Andras Telkes, former deputy head of Hungarian foreign intelligence. “The Russians will do everything to keep Orban in power. They consider Hungary part of their sphere of influence,” he added.
Hungary denies
The daily's article was commented on on X by the spokesman of the Hungarian government, Zoltan Kovacs. “Washington Post, come on. Are you saying that so-called Russian advisers suggested a plot to organize the attack? This isn't just a lie – it's pathetically absurd. Pure, calculated intrigue. Brussels and Kiev are openly pushing full political interference and are we supposed to take it seriously?” he wrote.
The elections in Hungary will take place on April 12. Peter Magyar's opposition TISHA party is beating Prime Minister Orban's Fidesz in most independent polls – in a February survey by Median, the party gained a 20-point advantage among decisive voters.
