Hungary probes BYD subsidies and labor practices at Szeged plant

The Hungarian government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the state subsidies, tax exemptions, permits and other public support granted to Chinese electric‑vehicle maker BYD for its new factory in Szeged. The probe follows the appointment of former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó to a senior role at BYD, raising concerns about possible conflicts of interest. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that all decisions, negotiations and state commitments linked to the project will be examined.

Inspectors visited the partially built plant to review workers’ residence permits, social‑security cards and employment contracts. Officials claim that the number of third‑country guest‑worker permits requested almost matches the promised job count, suggesting a reliance on foreign labor. BYD has denied that any such inspection took place. Meanwhile, the company has announced a recruitment drive for about 9,000 new employees across its Hungarian and Chinese facilities, underscoring the scale of its European expansion.