He argued that voter data obtained in the government’s latest nationwide public survey were “forwarded through secret software to a company cooperating with the Russian secret services”.

He added that a “similar trick” had been tried with the free WiFi service at the world aquatics championships venues.

The Szeged mayor also referred to reports saying that controversial Saudi businessman Ghaith Pharaon had applied for Hungarian citizenship. Botka also insisted that NATO was no longer sharing confidential information with Hungarian government officials because “they are seen as unreliable”.

On another subject, he said the Socialists would help former LMP politician Gábor Vágó collect supporting signatures for a referendum on the introduction of a salary cap for the heads of state-owned companies.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.