Hungary has accused Ukraine of attempting to influence its parliamentary elections through a mobile app, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto making the claims on social media.
Accusations Center on TISZA Mobile App
The Hungary‑backed news portal Index.hu reported that a Ukrainian company called PettersonApps had worked on the development of the TISZA mobile application of the Opposition Party of Respect and Freedom. The portal also claimed that a leak of personal data for twenty‑two thousand users had occurred. Defenders of the app said the application was built entirely by Hungarian specialists and the leak never happened. They added that after development but before launch, the app was tested in cooperation with several EU firms to ensure stability and that it contained no personal data at that time. The party later confirmed that PettersonApps had no role in the project.
Hungarian Leaders Assert Ukrainian Influence
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto posted on Facebook that Ukrainians were \”very interested\” in influencing the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán echoed the claim, stating that \”TISZA was produced in Ukraine.\” Party leader Peter Magyar responded by highlighting alleged Russian ties to the developers, suggesting that individuals whose programs are written by Russian spies and backed by pro‑Russian forces would defend Hungary’s interests.
TISZA Denies Ukrainian Involvement
In response to the Index.hu report, the party wrote that no investigation is needed because all know that the portal is backed by Hungarian businessman Lorinc Meszaros, who is Viktor Orbán. The statement reiterated that the mobile app was created solely by Hungarian specialists.
Political Context of Index.hu
Index.hu had operated as an independent media outlet until a 2020 reorganisation by the Indamedia company, which is under Orbán’s government control. The editorial staff regarded the personnel changes as an attack on journalistic independence.
Intended Function of the TISZA App
According to the party, the TISZA app aims to mobilise citizens to build democracy and conduct surveys. In the first \”Voice of the Nation\” poll more than a million people expressed the type of Hungary they wish for. The follow‑up \”Voice of the Nation 2\” will focus on the future, asking how to build a humane, just and solidarity society. The party emphasises that to change the regime, all citizens must state what they want.
