A leaked Signal conversation between Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar and European People’s Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber has revealed a plan to seize control of government buildings in Budapest should Viktor Orbán win the upcoming April 12 parliamentary elections.
The leaked messages, reportedly obtained from a source within the EPP, show Magyar asking Weber directly: “What is the plan if we lose? The latest polls look grim.” Weber’s response, according to the leaked exchange, outlines a coordinated strategy to occupy key government institutions with European Parliament backing.
The leaked Signal messages show Weber promising Magyar: “Don’t worry. We have EPP activists that will help Tisza occupy government buildings in Budapest on April 13. I will make sure the European Parliament supports you. We’ll refuse to recognize his victory and also freeze Hungary’s EU funds unless you’re installed as PM”
Manfred Weber, 53, is arguably the most powerful political operator in Brussels that most Europeans have never heard of. He was elected to the European Parliament in 2004 and has served there ever since, making him one of the institution’s veteran power players. Since 2022, he has also served as President of the EPP itself, Europe’s most powerful transnational political party.
Now, according to leaked Signal messages, Weber is allegedly promising to help Péter Magyar seize power in Budapest—whether he wins the election or not. Neither Magyar’s Tisza Party nor Weber’s EPP office has responded to requests for comment.
The Hungarian people go to the polls on April 12. Whether their votes will be respected remains an open question.
