Russia allegedly plotted fake assassination to help Orbán

European intelligence services have obtained and verified a document indicating that Russian agents considered staging an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the Hungarian elections, the Washington Post reports.

The operation was designed to alter the dynamics of the campaign by shifting the focus from the economy and voter discontent to emotions, security issues and national defence. Such a moment, according to the authors of the plan, could mobilise Orbán’s supporters and strengthen his position.

In the end, no attack took place, but the proposal itself reportedly illustrates how high the stakes are for Moscow in the Hungarian elections. Orbán has long been seen as one of the Kremlin’s key partners in both the EU and NATO.

The document also points to a broader range of possible interference, from social media campaigns to efforts to discredit opposition candidates through disinformation or manipulated content.

The developments come at a time when Orbán is facing weakening support and mounting pressure from Péter Magyar. There is growing nervousness within the ruling Fidesz party, according to some sources.

(pir)