By Euronews
Published on
Russia’s intelligence service, the SVR, has alleged that the European Commission is “studying scenarios” for “regime change” in Hungary.
The accusations, which are not backed by any evidence, have been widely amplified by both Russian state-sponsored media as well as disinformation actors on social platforms.
EuroVerify detected the unfounded claims circulating widely on Telegram, Instagram, Facebook and X.
In a statement published on 13 August, the SVR says “significant material, administrative, media and lobbying resources have been mobilised” in support of Peter Magyar, a former insider in the government of Viktor Orbán whose centre-right TISZA party is currently topping the polls.
The statement also alleges that the Ukrainian government has “actively joined the campaign to ‘dismantle’ the Hungarian government on orders from Brussels.”
A European Commission spokesperson described the allegations as “completely false”.
Independent Hungarian journalists, who strive to report independently despite the democratic backsliding of the government of Viktor Orbán, have expressed alarm at the SVR statement, saying Russia is “meddling in Hungarian politics”.
The disinformation has been quoted by Hungary’s state news agency.
It suggests Russian interference in Hungarian politics could increase in the run-up to the 2026 parliamentary elections, expected in April.
Orbán, considered a Kremlin-friendly voice within the European Union, has consistently stalled EU support to Ukraine by wielding Hungary’s veto power on foreign policy decisions.
The polls suggest Orbán could be unseated as Hungary’s prime minister next year after 15 years in power.
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