Russian, Chinese hackers leaked Tisza supporters’ data? PM Orbán’s challenger, Péter Magyar, changes strategy

In a pre-recorded video released today at 9:45 a.m., Péter Magyar responded to the scandal that erupted over the weekend, described by government-aligned media as a data leak. He referred to international networks, including Russian and Chinese interests, that allegedly wish to keep the Orbán government in power. These networks reportedly published a list containing the personal data of individuals who downloaded the Tisza Világ app and entered the Tisza Party’s sympathiser database.

Magyar placed full responsibility on unnamed international networks close to the situation. Addressing frightened Tisza supporters, he announced changes to the candidate selection process.

Data leak or illegally obtained information?

The pro-government newspaper Magyar Nemzet reported yesterday that the personal information of around 200,000 Tisza sympathisers had surfaced online. The list reportedly includes names, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, and usernames—data requested by the party-developed Tisza Világ app. However, it remains unclear whether data reflecting political activity within the party was included in the leaked spreadsheet, which is currently available only on a suspicious website and was therefore not downloaded for verification. The Hungarian press has yet to publish any activity data, suggesting the list does not contain such information.

Previously, the government accused the Tisza Világ app of being developed by Ukrainians and Americans, alleging that this could result in Hungarian sympathisers’ data falling into unwanted hands. Péter Magyar denied these claims but admitted that hackers had been continuously attacking the app, with suspicion already falling on Russian actors.

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The path of the leaked list in the Hungarian media

The leaked list first appeared on the LeakBase.la website on 31 October and was later shared by Prohardver.hu—a major Hungarian IT portal whose owners include cybersecurity expert and Ludovika University of Public Service research fellow Dr Csaba Krasznay. While Prohardver’s original article is no longer available, Magyar Nemzet reported on the issue following a tip-off, confirming the list’s authenticity after the author recognised his own registration data. The list begins with testers before listing actual party supporters.

Tisza app down, Péter Magyar changes strategy

Yesterday, Péter Magyar named those responsible for the “leak”, accusing Russian hackers of being behind the attacks on the Tisza Világ app and implying their success now. In his video this morning, he confirmed similar suspicions but no longer singled out Russians, instead referring to international networks and to Russian and Chinese trolls sharing AI-generated video content.

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Originally, the app was designed to allow sympathisers to select one candidate from three in each electoral district to stand against Fidesz in the upcoming election. Péter Magyar has now changed the plan, announcing the following new dates:

• 17 November: Introduction of the three candidates
• 23–24 November: Voting by the Tisza community to narrow the choice to two candidates
• 25–27 November: Final vote open to everyone to decide who will stand in each district against Prime Minister Orbán’s candidate

He did not specify how they would ensure one vote per person within each district but noted that the voting would take place on nemzethangja.hu, not in the app.

Could Tisza face heavy fines before the elections?

Péter Magyar pledged to investigate the hacking and the public release of the data, promising that those responsible would be held accountable.

He also acknowledged that many Tisza supporters were frightened by the leak, as it could cause problems at their workplaces. He reassured them that the Orbán regime aims to intimidate Tisza sympathisers, but if they remain united and support one another, regime change is possible.

Meanwhile, pro-Fidesz media reported that István Tényi has lodged a complaint with the National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (NAIH), which has opened an investigation into the Tisza Világ app. This could potentially result in severe penalties ahead of the 2026 elections.

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