Direkt 36: Fidesz propagandist Georg Spöttle linked to Russian intelligence, but Orbán and Szijjártó unconcerned

The Orbán government has launched a full-scale attack against opposition politician Péter Magyar and his TISZA party, claiming they represent the interests of Ukraine and the European Commission in Hungary. Their only “proof” is that one of the party’s leading figures, former Chief of Staff Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, once said “Glory to Ukraine” at a NATO meeting. Meanwhile, Hungary’s national security services have uncovered ties between Fidesz propagandist Georg Spöttle and Russian intelligence. Despite this revelation, neither Prime Minister Viktor Orbán nor Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó appears to be concerned—even though Spöttle seemingly echoes narratives aligned with Moscow.

Georg Spöttle: A mysterious life

According to Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi, Georg Spöttle’s early life is shrouded in mystery. He claims to have been recruited by West Germany’s military and to have assisted local police on Middle Eastern issues. In the 1990s, he attended UFO enthusiast events and described Russian intelligence as “a very vile group.”

Based on reports from intelligence informants, in the late 2000s Spöttle offered his services to both Israeli and American intelligence agencies. One source said he sought recognition and was constantly in need of money. However, both the CIA and Mossad deemed Spöttle unfit for cooperation and informed the Hungarian authorities.

In Hungary, Spöttle’s public profile grew during the 2015 migration crisis. He became a regular on television and contributed articles to pro-government outlets supporting the government’s narrative. He later rebranded as a “security policy expert” on the Russia–Ukraine war across the same media.

But why would Hungarian security services scrutinise someone so close to the government?

High-ranking contacts declined to help

As Panyi reports, Spöttle had a protégé who aimed to become a diplomat but was denied national security clearance due to his close association with Spöttle. The clearance report stated that Spöttle disseminates disinformation and narratives in line with Kremlin propaganda through pro-government media such as Pesti Srácok, Origó, Mandiner, Hír TV, and TV2.

Spöttle tried to intervene on behalf of his protégé, seeking favours from high-ranking government officials, including Foreign Minister Szijjártó—but they declined to assist.

Panyi identifies Spöttle’s main link to the Kremlin as Oleg Smirnov, former military and air attaché at the Russian Embassy in Budapest and an officer of the Russian military intelligence service (GRU). Smirnov’s mission in Hungary ended in autumn 2023, after a decade-long assignment in Prague.

Panyi notes that Spöttle’s rhetoric has gone beyond even the Hungarian government’s pro-Russian line. In one instance, he claimed the Ukrainian army would begin recruiting teenagers and transgender individuals. He even criticised German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall—a strategic partner of the Orbán government—claiming its plant in Ukraine posed a threat to Transcarpathian Hungarians by becoming a possible Russian target.