Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó will not attend next week’s meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, according to Euronews, which cited diplomatic sources.
The Foreign Affairs Council session is a formal gathering where member states are typically represented at the highest political level, usually by their foreign ministers. While governments can send lower-level officials, most choose ministerial representation.
Szijjártó’s absence is therefore notable, particularly given his traditionally active role in EU diplomacy.
Rare absence amid government transition period
According to Euronews, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry did not respond to media inquiries regarding the minister’s participation.
The decision comes at a politically sensitive moment, following Hungary’s recent change of government and ongoing institutional transition after the election defeat of Viktor Orbán’s administration.
In some cases, Szijjártó has previously been substituted when travelling abroad or overlapping with other official meetings, but full absence from a scheduled EU Foreign Affairs Council is less common.
Increasing withdrawal from public view
Euronews reports that Szijjártó has largely disappeared from public communications in recent weeks, including social media platforms where he had previously been highly active.
As Daily News Hungary reported earlier today, Viktor Orbán himself is also expected to skip a separate upcoming EU summit, fuelling speculation about how Hungary’s outgoing leadership is managing the transition period.
The Foreign Ministry has previously said that senior officials are currently focused on administrative handover tasks related to the formation of the new government.
Background: tensions, leaks and scrutiny
Szijjártó has been under increased international scrutiny in recent months due to his close working relationship with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Hungary’s positioning on EU sanctions policy.
Leaked recordings and transcripts previously published by international media suggested contacts between Hungarian and Russian officials during sensitive EU decision-making periods, including discussions linked to sanctions and high-level EU summits.
More recently, newer allegations surfaced during the election campaign regarding the handling of sensitive documents and internal ministry procedures. The Foreign Ministry has denied wrongdoing, stating that only paper copies of electronic files were destroyed and that no data was lost.
If you missed it: Orbán to miss next week’s EU summit after election defeat – UPDATE: reason for his absence
While it’s tempting to say that nobody will notice his absence, this isn’t true. He would be as welcome as a fart in a lift so staying away is the gracious thing to do in the circumstances.
The “former” Foreign Minister and of Trade – Peter Szijjarto – a baptized Catholic – in the Disgraced – thrown out of office, not wanted Government by the People of Hungary an “inner sanctum” member of the HUMILIATED former Prime Minister – Victor Mihaly. Orban Fidesz Government.
Peter Szijjarto – must be threw Legal “un-incumbered” process bought before the Courts of Hungary and answer for what grows in being known of his practice & application of treasonous behaviour/conduct – in his Ministerial role as the Foreign Minister and of Trade the Victor Mihaly. Orban led Fidesz Government of Hungary.
Peter Szijjarto – as I write what is known as FACT of his time a “love child” a “gofer” of Victor Mihaly. Orban extending back as far to his Catholic senior schooling days in Gyor, a student – just of average intellectual competency/ability.
Peter Szijjarto “cunning” – lives a life that in choices made in the past, life in Politics – rightful decisions he made that firstly was he being a YES man.
Peter Szijjarto – those, in particular his immediate Family he FEED provided facilitated in growing of there life quality and of wealth – the name Peter Szijjarto will be of MAJOR penetrating & broad – of its investigation by the NEW Government of Hungary – Tisza – under the “in-cumbent” – Peter Magyar.
Szijjarto & Magyar – they have History of a some-what “love hate” relationship.
WHO holds ALL the cards NOW ???
Szijjarto – no longer has the PROTECTION of Victor Mihaly. Orban, the “inner sanctum” and that of the Oligarchy nor that of being a “gofer” of Putins Russia who have ABANDONED him and his “fearless” leader, the HUMILIATED – Victor Mihaly. Orban.
Peter Szijjarto – history WILL record of his name of being one that FAILED, disgraced – the proud and historic name of our country – Hungary.
“Do the Crimes and PAY the Time” – which is rightful Justice.
The meaning of Justice, is that it embodies what is Right & Fair.
Peter Szijjarto and the “prepared list thus far of the NEW Tisza Government of Hungary – that in the “modus operandi” of those that will MEET with HUMILIATING rightful investigation names such as Gergely Gulyas & Mihaly Varga – for want of just alone they all who are INVESTIGATED – over the time of (20) twenty years there position / association as part of the Victor Mihaly. Orban Government or of Fidesz Membership – what they INDIVIDUALLY stole, deceived by greed & selfishness, by lies and fabrication of Truth, they STOLE = from the people us individually and as our country – Hungary – for there OWN & family & “other” purposes.
May the punishments handed down through Judicial “un-incumbered” process, like the “Bench” possible that sat and ruled – at the Nuremberg Trials a composition of Judges from “other” countrys = may the SEVERITY of punishment be HANDED down if the individuals are found and judged of GUILT.
For context: the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg is where critical decisions on security and regional stability are made. The current Hungarian government is effectively opting out of its final chance to influence EU policy, prioritizing their own awkwardness over national duty.
Hungary deserves representation at the highest level until the very last day. Mr. Orbán and Mr. Szijjártó skipping out now just confirms that their strongman image was only for when things were going their way.
I would say that giving over confidential EU information to the enemy would be treason by most standards. Perhaps he is just taking care of loose ends before moving to Moscow