Hungary’s government is investigating a major foreign investment involving China’s BYD following a former foreign minister’s move to work for the company. Multiple outlets report that Péter Szijjártó, who previously held government roles connected to attracting foreign investment, takes an executive position at BYD and that the announcement of his job last week has triggered accusations of a conflict of interest.
According to reporting, Szijjártó was instrumental while in office in securing investment from Chinese firms in Hungary, including deals involving BYD. The government’s investigation is described as examining the BYD arrangement and related issues after public criticism emerged over his prior role in negotiating substantial government support and subsidies for the automaker.
The reports note that Szijjártó resigned from parliament before taking the BYD job. Hungary has not been described as making findings yet, but the probe is presented as a response to concerns raised by critics about the connection between his former government activities and his subsequent employment at the company.
