The leader of Hungary’s Tisza Party has accused the ruling Fidesz party of preparing to launch a disinformation campaign ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections, alleging the use of artificial intelligence to create damaging videos. The accusations come as concerns grow over potential foreign interference in the upcoming vote.
Magyar Péter, president of the Tisza Party, stated on social media that Fidesz is planning to utilize tactics previously employed in Moldova, targeting social media platforms, particularly TikTok. He claims the campaign will involve the release of 14 AI-generated videos designed to discredit him and his family.
There are already 14 false, AI-generated defamatory videos prepared about the Tisza candidate and family members. The videos will be advertised from fake profiles for tens of millions of forints.
Péter called on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to “immediately stop this planned series of electoral fraud and expel the Russian agents from Hungary.” He also indicated that those involved in the alleged scheme will face legal consequences after April 12.
The allegations follow a recent report by VSquare, which claimed Moscow had sent a team to Budapest to interfere in the 2026 elections in favor of Orbán’s government. The Russian embassy subsequently denied the claims, criticizing VSquare’s reporting as “inaccurate and openly false.”
Magyar Péter’s claims add to a growing narrative of potential external influence in Hungarian politics, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. The case highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns and the challenges of combating disinformation.
(Cover image: Magyar Péter on January 5, 2026. Photo: Tövissi Bence / Index)
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