Hungary’s former foreign minister denies allegations related to Chinese automaker BYD

Szijjarto’s remarks come in the wake of an investigation by a national security committee, which decided in September of this year to clarify the circumstances surrounding Szijjarto’s working relationship with BYD as well as potential risks to national security.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a committee meeting Monday, Szijjarto said “false information” had surfaced regarding a major investment by the Chinese automaker in a production plant in Szeged, southeastern Hungary.

He added that there were “serious misunderstandings” regarding the BYD plant.

According to the former foreign minister, the amount of support granted to BYD for the investment under the previous Fidesz-KDNP government led by then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban was “well within” the usual framework for such projects.

He said efforts to attract foreign direct investment to Hungary were among the “most successful aspects of his work as foreign minister.”

After coordinating government support, public infrastructure and diplomatic assistance for BYD as the minister responsible for foreign direct investment in the previous government, Szijjarto was hired by BYD as head of external relations and new business development.

Vehicle assembly at the plant in Szeged is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Initial test production had already begun in early 2026.

Completion was originally scheduled for late 2025. However, establishing local supply chains and adapting to European regulations took longer than expected.

The project involves an investment of approximately $3 billion and is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs.

The factory is a strategic milestone for the company in avoiding additional EU tariffs on electric vehicles produced in China.

In addition to the new factory, BYD has already relocated its European headquarters to Budapest.