Hungary Foreign Minister files criminal complaint against Péter Szijjártó

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has filed a criminal complaint against her predecessor, Péter Szijjártó, and his team, alleging the systematic use of expensive private and military aircraft for official travel between 2022 and 2026.

An internal review suggests these arrangements cost approximately 4 billion forints (roughly $12.6 million) more than scheduled business-class flights would have cost. Orbán stated that the investigations showed no evidence that cheaper travel options were considered, even for short trips to nearby cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Belgrade.

The legal action is part of an anti-corruption campaign led by the new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, which took power following the electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán.

Representatives for Viktor Orbán have denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Spokesperson Bertalan Havasi maintained that all flights were in full compliance with government regulations and that the former minister’s work was organized with exemplary efficiency.