The Hungarian government has announced the launch of an investigation into major state subsidies, tax breaks and other support measures provided to Chinese automaker BYD — the company that recently hired former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar told parliament that authorities will examine all decisions, negotiations and state commitments related to BYD’s investment in Hungary that were made with Szijjártó’s involvement. According to the prime minister, during Szijjártó’s time as foreign minister the Chinese company received “hundreds of billions of forints” in public funding, diplomatic support and state infrastructure investments.
Szijjártó, who served as foreign minister for nearly 12 years under Viktor Orbán’s government, announced on 15 July 2026 that he was resigning his parliamentary seat to take a job at BYD. He will hold an international executive position responsible for the group’s external relations and the development of new business lines. The politician himself described the offer as “highly prestigious.”
BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, announced in 2023 that it would build its first European factory in Szeged (southern Hungary). The investment is estimated at €4–5 billion and is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs. Szijjártó played an active role in attracting the investment, which allowed the Chinese company to partially circumvent EU tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China.
The former minister’s move to a company he had previously helped secure state support for has drawn accusations of a conflict of interest and criticism over the “revolving door” between government and business. The investigation will also cover subsidies, tax incentives, permits and other support measures granted to large foreign investors during Orbán’s time in office.
The European Commission had earlier examined the issue of possible unfair Chinese subsidies linked to the construction of BYD’s Hungarian plant. The new Hungarian probe focuses specifically on the actions of national authorities and the role of the former minister.