Peter Szijjarto resigned from his parliamentary seat on July 15, 2026, to join Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD as a senior executive responsible for external relations and new business development, ending his political career after nearly 12 years as Hungary’s foreign minister [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Szijjarto served as Hungary's foreign minister from 2014 until April 2026 under Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, playing a key role in promoting Chinese investment in Hungary, particularly in the electric vehicle and new energy sectors [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He retained his parliamentary seat after losing the ministerial post when the new government led by Peter Magyar took office in April 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].

During his tenure, Szijjarto actively facilitated substantial government subsidies to BYD. In 2023, BYD announced building its first European factory in Szeged, Hungary, financed in part by Hungarian government subsidies, described as one of Hungary’s largest economic investments [1, 4]. By 2025, BYD moved its European regional headquarters and R&D center to Budapest with a subsidy of 20 billion forints (approximately 20.5 million NTD) granted by the government [1, 4].

Investigative sources estimate that total subsidies provided to BYD’s Hungarian factory range from 120 billion to 130 billion forints (roughly 1.56 to 1.69 billion Malaysian ringgit), though exact figures remain undisclosed [4]. Szijjarto has a reputation as pro-China and pro-Russia, receiving Russia's Friendship Medal in 2021 and maintaining close ties with Russian officials [1].

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar publicly accused Szijjarto of representing foreign interests for years and lobbying for huge BYD subsidies. Magyar said, "Szijjarto has long represented foreign interests... previously lobbying for huge state subsidies for BYD. Now his joining BYD raises both ethical and legal questions. It is clear the former foreign minister served Chinese Communist Party interests" [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].

Szijjarto acknowledged his resignation on Facebook, stating, "I have submitted my resignation from my parliamentary mandate. The reason is that I have received a highly prestigious offer from one of the world’s leading companies to fill an international position. BYD is one of the greatest success stories of the automotive industry over the past two decades" [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The transition marks a significant shift from public office to business, with Szijjarto now responsible for external relations and new business development at BYD. His resignation follows the government change in April 2026 and ends his direct political involvement after more than a decade in office [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].