Bence Szabó reports cancellation of Cuban ambassadorship

Two-time Olympic fencing champion Bence Szabó has reportedly had his diplomatic passport withdrawn and his planned appointment as Hungary’s ambassador to Havana, Cuba, cancelled. Szabó, a former Secretary General of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, stated that he had undergone extensive training and received formal approval from Cuban authorities for the role.

According to Szabó, his previous attempt to serve as ambassador to Madrid in 2025 also failed when the post was instead given to György Habsburg. While Szabó claims he received unanimous support from the relevant parliamentary committee during the nomination process, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on the specifics, noting only that personnel decisions are announced via the Official Gazette.

Reports suggest the cancellation follows a broader shift in the ministry's approach to the diplomatic corps, with an emphasis on high-level professional expertise. Szabó has maintained that he does not see a political motivation behind the decision, asserting that he intended to represent Hungary rather than a specific political party.