A leaked 2020 transcript suggests Szijjarto phoned Lavrov seeking Moscow’s intervention for a pro Pellegrini coalition, raising EU concerns about foreign influence and diplomatic fallout.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in 2020, during a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, asked for help to contribute to the victory in Slovakia’s elections for a social-democratic-nationalist government led by then-Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini. The transcript of the conversation was released by Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi.

According to the transcript, Szijjarto turned to the Russian foreign minister for assistance on the eve of Slovakia’s vote, in the interest of the coalition that had formed the government under Pellegrini. He expressed the belief that it was important for him that the coalition continue to exist, and expressed hope for the victory of the social democrats, who, in his words, act without foreign influence.

Context of the conversation and key points

As you know, on February 29 elections will be held in Slovakia, and it is very important for us that the coalition there continues to exist. I understand this may sound strange coming from Hungarian conservatives, but we hope for the victory of the social democrats, as they are the only rational force in Slovak politics that acts without foreign influence

– Peter Szijjarto

Pellegrini, then a representative of the Slovak social democrats, later became President of Slovakia in 2024. The conversation also discussed that the opposition’s victory could pose a serious obstacle to cooperation in the region, and Szijjarto expressed hope that the Slovak National Party would overcome the 5-percent threshold in the elections. He noted that for the coalition to continue, the victory of the governing party is needed.

If the opposition wins, it will be a tragedy for Central European cooperation. It is also important that the Slovak National Party, under Speaker Danko, cross the 5-percent threshold. We hope they succeed, but the only chance for continuing the coalition is the victory of the governing party in the elections. Prime Minister Pellegrini was here yesterday and told us that if your prime minister welcomed him, even for half an hour, it would be a great help in winning the elections

– Peter Szijjarto

The conversation also mentions the request to organize a meeting between Slovakia’s and Russia’s prime ministers. “It’s a big request, but I will pass it on to the prime minister,” Lavrov replied.

It’s a big request, but I will pass it on to the prime minister

– Sergei Lavrov

According to Panyi, the conversation was recorded by the national security service of one of the EU countries, and the transcript appeared after publication in the pro-government Mandiner outlet, which claims the recording may have been obtained with the help of foreign intelligence and journalist Szabolcs Panyi from Direkt36 and VSquare. The name Anita Orbán is also mentioned in the context of a possible leadership of Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the event of the pro-government “Tisza” winning.

In the publications, it is also noted that a major intelligence operation against Peter Szijjarto could be possible. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban called the interpretation of the wiretaps a serious attack on the country and ordered an investigation. The media also report that the EU may restrict Hungary’s participation in delicate negotiations due to concerns about leaks from Russia.

These events emphasize the sensitivity of diplomatic processes in Central Europe and the influence of external factors on local politics, which could have implications for European security and regional cooperation.