Hungary’s former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó, a long-time ally of nationalist ex-leader Viktor Orbán, announced his resignation as a lawmaker on Wednesday to work for Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD.
Having served continuously as a member of parliament since 2002, the 47-year-old politician announced on Facebook that he was leaving his legislative seat after receiving what he described as a “highly prestigious offer” from BYD, which he praised as “one of the world’s leading companies.”
Szijjártó clarified that his new corporate role would begin immediately, focusing heavily on global corporate strategy and international partnerships. “Starting today, I will continue to work as the executive responsible for the group’s external relations and the development of new business lines,” he wrote in his social media statement.
Former leader Viktor Orbán reacted positively to the high-profile appointment, fully endorsing his ally’s transition into the global automotive sector. Commenting on the news on his official social media account, Orbán celebrated the transition by writing: “BYD has secured the signing of the summer. Go, Péter!”
