Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó resigned from parliament to take a senior executive role at Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD, responsible for external relations and new business lines. Prime Minister Péter Magyar criticized the move, accusing Szijjártó of lobbying for BYD while in office.
The move highlights the growing influence of Chinese companies in Europe's automotive sector and the potential for former politicians to leverage their experience and connections in new executive roles, raising questions about lobbying and foreign influence.
Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced his resignation from parliament to assume a senior executive position at Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. Szijjártó stated on Facebook that he accepted a "highly prestigious offer" to lead the company's external relations and new business development.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who recently defeated Viktor Orbán in elections, swiftly criticized Szijjártó's career transition. Magyar accused Szijjártó of having "long represented foreign interests" and of lobbying for substantial Hungarian state subsidies for BYD prior to his employment with the company. Magyar further commented that Szijjártó would now be paid by his "actual employer" rather than the Hungarian people for similar work.
A loyalist to Orbán since the late 1990s, Szijjártó served as Orbán's spokesperson before becoming foreign minister in 2014, a role he held until earlier this year. During his tenure, he was a prominent proponent of strengthening ties with both Beijing and Moscow. He notably acknowledged communicating with senior Russian officials amidst European Union deliberations on new sanctions against Russia.
BYD is increasingly central to China's manufacturing expansion in Europe. The electric vehicle company is anticipated to commence car assembly at its new Hungarian facility later this year, having designated the site as its primary European production hub. Szijjártó's move follows a trend of former European politicians entering the automotive sector; for instance, former German Finance Minister Christian Lindner is slated to become CEO of Germany's largest car dealer, Autoland AG, in 2027.