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Outgoing Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó very ill: what we know so far
Péter Szijjártó has been tight-lipped about his serious illness, leaving the internet awash with speculation, tips, and amateur diagnoses. The outgoing Hungarian top diplomat has made clear, however, that he has already undergone several interventions and must now weigh what matters most: his family or his public role.
The example of Péter Szijjártó shows how important regular screening is
In yesterday’s interview with Telex, Péter Szijjártó, the departing Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, was wholly uncertain about any future public involvement. As he explained, he came at Viktor Orbán’s behest and has no desire to step into his shoes—thus, should Orbán be ousted from Fidesz’s helm after the party’s historic two-thirds election drubbing, Szijjártó certainly will not lead it. He could not even say whether he would take up his parliamentary seat. The outgoing Prime Minister put it thus: the first few dozen on Fidesz’s national list are fit for government; for opposition roles, let alone leadership, others are needed.
Szijjártó also spoke of his illness from Telex’s studio. He had previously revealed only that, after repeated urging from former Economy Minister János Kóka, he underwent a screening that yielded devastating results. Kóka, a doctor in civilian life and once a fierce political rival, now joins Szijjártó’s overseas delegations regularly as an entrepreneur and expert.
Multiple surgeries
In January, Szijjártó recounted that the screening prompted an immediate procedure, though he hoped it had not shown in his work. To Telex, he now added that two further interventions followed the first—yet, by his words, the illness persists, hanging over him like the sword of Damocles.
The departing Foreign Minister believes everyone must face such trials alone. He said nothing of whether he had informed the Prime Minister, received any dispensation on that account, or how his family is coping. The father of two did note, however, that over the past 11½ years he has rarely been at home—so, weighing his future public path against this illness, he must ponder the way ahead.
The internet brims with theories on the Foreign Minister’s condition; we take no position whatsoever. We merely observe that every man has a right to a long and healthy life—and we wish as much to the outgoing minister.
Szijjártó about the past 16 years
“We have strived to make Hungary a liveable country”, Szijjártó told Telex, adding that the Fidesz government had “always worked to build a culture of cooperation.” Asked about the wealth of entrepreneur Lőrinc Mészáros, Szijjártó said he could not “take responsibility for other, grown up people”, adding that “foreign partners have always praised Hungary’s family support system, low taxes and utility prices.” He added that Orbán “does not get involved in business matters”.
Asked about the ruling parties’ role in an increase in “hate politics” in Hungary in recent years, Szijjártó said “the blame is not on one side only” and suggested that both political sides were responsible for “hate overriding everything”.
To a question concerning a contested speech by Orbán, in which the prime minister was referring to a “spring cleaning to remove surviving bugs” Szijjártó said he would not criticise Orbán’s speeches.
If you missed our previous articles concerning healthcare in Hungary and how to remain healthy:
Allergies in Budapest: What expats and travellers should know
Toxic metals, unsafe devices – what are we really inhaling from illegal vapes in Hungary?
This is very concerning and I hadn’t heard anything about it.
To the extent that he should have privacy regarding health matters should he want it, regardless of any opinions I have of his political activities, I certainly wouldn’t want him to be ill.
I am uncertain how to state it other than to say that whether it was my country the U.S. or another, including Hungary, some kind of poisoning or kompromat situation or other covert threat to manipulate would be both unfortunate and wildly unacceptable.
There’s discussion good and bad and politics and so on but in terms of silencing opposition or unpopular viewpoints by mechanisms that aren’t transparent, aspirational issues about good-faith aside, pragmatically can lead to revenge and escalation and avoidable tragedy.
In any case, whether or not he remains a public figure, I certainly wouldn’t want him to suffer in any way that wasn’t the outcome of transparent legal process (and not suffer anyway) much less experience ill health.
To the extent that the recent election may represent and opportunity to learn from experience about issues such as transparency and corruption and mechanisms of social and personal control- without any specific consideration other than to recognize the rather overwhelming electoral majority in a very general context- hopefully few would advocate for anything other than transparency, the law, and hopefully forgiveness where relevant.