World
Hungary: Former Foreign Minister Szijjarto Joins BYD as Government Inquiry Opens
Hungary's government has announced an inquiry into Chinese automaker BYD's investments in the country, triggered by former Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's move to the company. On July 20, 2026, Prime Minister Peter Magyar accused Szijjarto of having, during nearly 12 years in office, allowed BYD to receive hundreds of billions of Hungarian forints in public funds. Magyar also alleged he provided diplomatic support and state-funded infrastructure to the firm. Neither the former minister nor BYD have responded to the allegations. The inquiry will also examine subsidies and benefits granted to other multinationals under the Orbán era.