Hungary purges foreign ministry staff linked to Szijjártó in mass shake-up

"Recently, we have also launched an internal audit and institutional restructuring at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As part of this process, we decided to initiate the termination of employment by mutual agreement with 45 civil servants," Velkey said.

According to him, of more than a thousand ministry employees, the dismissals affect only several dozen people who, under Péter Szijjártó’s leadership, were directly involved in the ministry's political management.

"They were directly involved in a process as a result of which Hungary lost its reputation, lost the trust of its allies, found itself on the periphery of the European Union, and lost credibility in the eyes of its most important partners. We met personally with each employee affected by this decision, looked them in the eyes, and explained the reasons for our decision," the parliamentary state secretary added.

It is noted that 38 officials have already accepted the resignation offer.

"This is not a purge, but rather fair and humane treatment, as well as support for those who suffered daily from what was happening in the ministry in recent years—whether as sidelined diplomats or as ordinary citizens," Velkey concluded.

Finally, he said the goal of Hungary's new government is to build a new, "trustworthy and reliable diplomacy that serves the public good, the real interests of the country, and its people."

On May 9, Hungary's new parliament held its first session, during which Péter Magyar, leader of the winning Tisza party, was elected as the country’s new prime minister.

As is known, parliamentary elections in Hungary were held on April 12. Viktor Orbán lost after a long period in power, and the government was headed by Péter Magyar.

It was previously reported that former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó will continue his political activity and will receive a mandate in the new composition of the National Assembly.