On July 15, Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stepped down from his parliamentary seat and promptly assumed the role of Head of External Relations and New Business Development at BYD, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. This career transition has ignited considerable debate within Hungarian political circles.

The following day, on July 16, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed the parliament, revealing that the government would undertake a thorough and special review of all of BYD's investment endeavors in Hungary. This includes scrutinizing related government decisions, financial subsidies, and preferential policies. During his tenure as foreign minister, Szijjarto played a pivotal role in facilitating BYD's establishment of its inaugural passenger vehicle production facility in Europe, located in Hungary. He also advocated for the government to extend significant subsidies to BYD.

Orban criticized Szijjarto, alleging that he had "consistently represented foreign interests" and insinuated that there might have been preferential treatment in Szijjarto's appointment at BYD. In response, Szijjarto defended his decision to join BYD, citing the company's status as "one of the automotive industry's most triumphant enterprises over the past two decades."

Currently, the Hungarian government has launched an investigation into Szijjarto, raising concerns about his alleged suspicious connections with Russia. In reaction to these developments, BYD Hungary clarified that Szijjarto will neither be part of the management team of the Hungarian subsidiary nor will he oversee local operations.