Hungarian Opinion: Storm of Accusations over Spyware Allegations

  • 21 Jul 2021 8:23 AM
  • BudaPost
Hungarian Opinion: Storm of Accusations over Spyware Allegations
A prominent left-wing columnist and the leading pro-government daily give diametrically opposing interpretations of the Pegasus spyware scandal.

Népszava’s Róbert Friss hopes that this time, the government will not get away with simply blaming everything on the so-called international liberal deep state and its media hinterland.

He finds it outrageous that Fidesz MPs refuse to even discuss the Pegasus spyware scandal in the National Security Committee.

The left-wing commentator suggests that spying on critical individuals is the beginning of dictatorship and a police state.  The ‘widespread use’ of such methods (media suggest at least 300 individuals in Hungary were exposed) is a clear sign that the government is afraid that it will soon lose power, Friss concludes.

Magyar Nemzet interprets the spyware scandal as yet another attack on the Hungarian government by NGOs financed by George Soros.

The leading pro-government daily contends that all participants of the collaborative investigative report have close ties to the ‘Soros network’, which advocates open societies, and many of them have been fierce critics of the Hungarian government.

Magyar Nemzet accuses left-wing media outlets of distorting the original report by omitting Western European states as well as the US, which also used the Pegasus spyware.

By mentioning only rogue dictatorial states – and Hungary – as clients of the NSO company, the Left wants to vilify Hungary, Magyar Nemzet claims.

Quoting a government intelligence expert, Magyar Nemzet remarks that a professional spying software would not leave traces on mobile devices, as the investigation claims.
 

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. 

Click here to Share Your Story

Related links

Special Report: Journalists & Critics of PM Orbán Targeted with Pegasus Cyberweapon

National Security Committee Meeting on Pegasus Lacks Quorum

Hungarian Opinion: Opposition Protests the Spyware Scandal

Opposition MPs Call on Govt to Resign at Budapest Demo

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

BudaPost

Launched in May 2011 to provide a balanced picture of matters covered in Hungary’s national press. Their aim is to make it easier for English-speakers to understand where this country is now and where it’s heading according to the full spectrum of media opinions.

Explore More Reports