Orbán could stage pipeline attack to derail Hungary elections, expert says
Photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Hungarian Russia expert Andras Racz predicts that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could stage a fake sabotage attack on a gas pipeline in Serbia, according to Ukrinform.
Expert's forecast
Racz said that three days ago, he outlined a hypothetical scenario of Russian interference in Hungary’s elections in coordination with Orbán’s government. According to him, Orbán would need "something big and strategic" to postpone the vote.
"I forecast a Russian intelligence operative suggesting a sabotage against energy infrastructure that would be big enough to give a necessary momentum for the ruling party. So I forecast an attack against Hungary's strategic interests but outside Hungary – an attack against the Turkish Stream gas pipeline on Serbian territory," the expert explained.
He added that Orbán could count on cooperation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, as Serbia is a friendly country to Hungary.
Orbán’s statement
On Thursday, Orbán said he had spoken with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. According to him, Serbian authorities discovered a powerful explosive device along with detonation equipment at a critical gas infrastructure connecting Serbia and Hungary. An investigation is ongoing. Orbán added that he had convened an emergency Defense Council meeting for that day.
Possible consequences
The expert does not rule out that Hungary or Serbia could soon directly accuse Ukraine of attempting to destroy a critical energy infrastructure facility.
Orbán could go further and declare a state of emergency in the country, which would allow him to postpone the elections, where his Fidesz party, according to polls, could lose.
"Legally, they can do it, according to the Hungarian Constitution," Racz noted.
According to him, an attack on energy infrastructure a week before the elections "serves only the interest of Viktor Orbán."
On the morning of April 5, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced the discovery of an explosive device at a gas infrastructure facility linking Serbia and Hungary. At the same time, the media reported that backpacks containing explosives were found near the Serbian villages of Velebit and Vojvoda Zimonić, close to the main gas pipeline route.
The head of Serbia’s military intelligence denied Orbán’s claims about possible Ukrainian involvement in the sabotage. The Serbian side stated that Ukraine did not plant explosives on the pipeline.
Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 12. According to polls, opposition candidate Péter Magyar has a chance to overtake Orbán.
