An unusual and alarming scenario emerges from a report published by the Washington Post, according to which Russian intelligence services have considered the possibility of staging an assassination attempt on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to influence the electoral climate in the country.
According to the internal SVR document, which was reportedly obtained by European intelligence agencies, the idea envisioned a fake attack that would increase public support for Orbán, through emotional mobilization of the electorate.
Essentially, the scenario aimed to shift attention from economic problems and declining popularity, towards feelings of fear and solidarity, creating a moment of crisis that would favor the current leadership.
However, according to reports, such an assassination attempt never took place. Russia has denied any involvement, calling the information untrue.
Despite this, the very fact that such a scenario has been discussed at intelligence levels suggests the importance that Hungary has for Moscow's strategic interests, especially on the eve of the elections.
The event sheds light on the hidden dimension of electoral contests in Europe, where the influence of external actors and the use of psychological operations remain a growing concern for the democratic security of member states.