Hungary FM Files Criminal Complaint Over Szijjártó Private Jet Expenses

Hungary's newly appointed Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office against her predecessor Péter Szijjártó and his team, accusing them of regularly using expensive private air travel at public expense over the past four years.

Szijjártó served as Hungary's foreign minister since 2014 and became one of the most prominent figures in Viktor Orbán's government, known internationally for his close ties with Russia and for blocking EU decisions harmful to Moscow's interests. He was replaced after a change in the Hungarian government.

Anita Orbán, who shares a surname with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán but is not a family member, moved swiftly to draw a legal distinction between the new administration and the practices of the previous one. The criminal complaint signals a sharp break in Hungarian political conduct at the foreign ministry.

Background on Szijjártó

Péter Szijjártó was a close ally of Viktor Orbán and was known for prioritizing bilateral economic deals, including with Russia and China, over EU solidarity. His foreign policy approach frequently put Hungary at odds with EU and NATO partners, particularly on issues related to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

If the allegations of misuse of public funds for private travel are confirmed, Szijjártó and members of his team could face criminal liability under Hungarian law. The complaint is now with prosecutors, who will decide whether to open a formal investigation.