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.

• Kremlin uses government help to spread Russian war propaganda in Hungary? – read more HERE

Spöttle supports Russia

Spöttle has made no effort to hide his pro-Russian stance. In an autumn 2022 interview, he openly expressed support for Russia. Panyi cites two “non-papers” (unofficial documents) dated 6 March 2024, sent by Colonel Smirnov to various recipients, as evidence that Spöttle parrots Kremlin messaging. One paper addressed Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict, the other examined Ukraine’s internal situation.

A comparison between the documents and Spöttle’s public statements revealed a striking similarity. He has claimed that Ukraine lacks autonomy, that President Zelensky is merely a puppet of the West, and that Western military support only prolongs Ukrainian suffering.

In an email to Colonel Smirnov, Spöttle stated he would be proud to attend the 2024 Moscow Conference on International Security and intended to share his experiences on Hungarian television and in the press.

Few in Hungary realise that Spöttle enjoys considerable popularity in Russia, appearing frequently in the media as a foreign (Hungarian) expert promoting the Kremlin’s position. For example, he analysed Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin for RIA Novosti and commented on the German elections in February.

• Ukrainians have made open, serious threats against Hungary, PM Orbán says

Spöttle still advises Hungarian officials

In 2023, Spöttle visited the V. Putin Russian Special Forces University in Chechnya—a trip that, according to former Hungarian intelligence officers, would have required GRU approval due to Spöttle’s EU and NATO citizenship.

Despite the security concerns and the failed clearance of his protégé, Spöttle’s career remains unaffected. Foreign Minister Szijjártó even stated in an interview that he regularly listens to Spöttle to broaden his geopolitical understanding and congratulated him on his podcast.

Panyi’s investigation is based on information gathered from government officials, Spöttle’s acquaintances, former Hungarian intelligence agents, as well as emails and photos obtained during the inquiry.

Neither Spöttle, the Constitution Protection Office, nor the Hungarian Foreign Ministry responded to Panyi’s questions prior to the publication of the article.