Government Revokes More Than 100 Diplomatic Passports: Habony, Rákay, and Dzsudzsák Among Those Affected

Péter Magyar Introduces New Chief of Staff, György László Velkey

Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is revoking more than 100 diplomatic passports that were issued without sufficient justification under the previous administration, according to György László Velkey, the ministry’s parliamentary state secretary.

In a video statement released on Saturday, Velkey said that the comprehensive review ordered by the new government uncovered practices that surprised even ministry officials. The holders of the revoked passports include relatives and business associates of Fidesz and KDNP politicians, prominent figures linked to the ruling establishment, and foreign businessmen who are suspected of using the privilege to facilitate private travel.

Passports Allegedly Obtained Through Political Connections

According to Velkey, many of the diplomatic passports were secured through the intervention of senior politicians, including Zsolt Semjén, Antal Rogán, and Péter Szijjártó.

The state secretary stated that while there had long been indications that some individuals had obtained diplomatic documents through personal connections, the scale of the practice exceeded expectations. He claimed that the vast majority of the passports were granted as favors between friends or as compensation for services rendered.

“Let’s not be naïve. In several cases, the passports were likely intended to make exotic private trips easier,” Velkey said, according to Index.

He emphasized that diplomatic passports lose their value and credibility when they are handed out indiscriminately. According to Velkey, Hungary’s diplomatic documents have already suffered a loss of international trust, with reports suggesting that some border authorities no longer treat Hungarian diplomatic passports with the same level of respect. He argued that the previous government had damaged the country’s international credibility through these practices.

Well Known Figures and Foreign Businessmen on the List

Velkey also released a list of some of the most notable cases. Among those reported to have held diplomatic passports were several individuals associated with Fidesz and Hungary’s political establishment, including Árpád Habony, Philip Rákay, Mária Schmidt, Dániel Papp (CEO of MTVA), Miklós Szánthó (organizer of CPAC Hungary), Zoltán Szalai (Director General of MCC), violinist Zoltán Mága, footballer Balázs Dzsudzsák, and György Szöllősi, editor in chief of Nemzeti Sport.