Former Hungarian intelligence chief warns of likely Russian interference in 2026 elections
In an interview with Népszava, former Hungarian intelligence director Ferenc Katrein made bold claims about the likelihood of Russian interference in Hungary, particularly around the 2026 elections. He also discussed the operations of intelligence services and their startling relationship with political leadership.
Politicians don’t trust intelligence services
According to Katrein, Hungary’s political elite has little to no trust in the intelligence community, as evidenced by the constant rotation of agency heads. He added that the agencies only prepare operational reports, and it’s up to the politicians to act on them. Intelligence services, he said, do not engage in policymaking, but they do flag when extremist groups are becoming radicalised as a consequence of government policy.
Putin will interfere
When Russian interests are at stake, Putin will have no qualms about interfering in Hungary, including in the 2026 elections, Katrein warned. Russian intelligence agencies are intimately familiar with Hungary, he said, and know precisely where to probe societal wounds for maximum disruption. As an example, he noted that Russian services recently helped shield Serbian President Vučić from mass protests.
Budapest has become a spy hub
Katrein pointed out that Hungary has not expelled a single Russian or Belarusian intelligence officer: a telling sign. The fact that the former head of Moldova’s intelligence service met with Belarusian operatives in Budapest highlights the city’s emerging role as a European spy centre, a protected venue for crucial meetings.
He further criticised the fact that Hungary’s state news service, MTI, reprints Russian intelligence statements without edits or disclaimers. That, coupled with the decision not to expel any Russian or Belarusian agents after such incidents, suggests deep and high-level Russian influence within the country.
He lamented that the Hungarian public learned of the espionage scandal only through international media, as domestic intelligence agencies failed to inform citizens.
How intelligence services operate
Katrein revealed that intelligence services are embedded in extremist groups and track their activities closely. Some online platforms are even operated by the agencies themselves, with psychological experts involved, enabling them to draw in individuals vulnerable to radicalisation and monitor when intervention is necessary.
He noted that families and close communities play a vital role in flagging lone actors who fall outside the purview of infiltrated networks. Political discourse, he warned, also carries responsibility: it can dangerously fuel public anger.
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From this perspective, he said, we are living in a particularly dangerous period: a war is unfolding next door, and, though he did not mention Ukrainians, he observed that Russians often mobilise extremist groups to destabilise countries from within.
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Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
Funny how “Russian interference” happens only when a globalist-socialist-fascist puppet is likely to or manages to lose, despite all the efforts to propagandize and cheat their way to victory.
Honestly, who still buys this B.S.!?!?!?
Micheal all the best to you and I really mean it. We need to go beyond labels and give concrete information and linked opinions. I’ve done some of the same ideology as you from the other side. We want all want truth and what is real truth? We must remain open in thinking. Again I wish you and your family all the best. I think you have found a good life in rural Hungary. Fantastic.
Russia interference happens everywhere where their friends are in trouble. Like the article said, they were out to save Serbian President Vučić from mass protest agains him and its obvious that they try to save their friend Orban, who is in danger of losing next elections. And they are already working hard. The amount of pro-russia trolls who also glorify Fidesz on facebook is staggering, and some here too, trying to impose pro-Russia propaganda on Hungarians.
You know, this Russian interference getting boring.
Hungary just had the most transparent election in 2022. The observers said, there was nothing amiss. Yet the “independent” media still pushes the hoax, like with the USA.
Oh please! Stop w the Russia interference lies!
Hungary has not expelled a single Russian or Belarussian spy. What a fantastid record compared to the rest of the EU. Fidesz and Putin’s operatives are great friends.
The EU and its NGOs are well ahead of anyone interested in the the HU elections. The US looking to expel Soros and his kid. Major player, besides the US- the EU and and Ukraine.. its clear the Soros name is never nentioned in this media- i guess its because Orban controls the media here. Just remember Soros had nothing going on in Ukraine. Before the conflict.