Political Rift Widens as Fidesz Official Accuses Tisza Party Candidate of ‘Treason’
A heated exchange has erupted in Hungarian politics following the announcement that Erzsébet Csézi, known professionally as Csézy, will represent the Tisza Party in electoral district 7 of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county. The challenge to incumbent András Tállai of Fidesz has triggered a swift and pointed response from the long-serving state secretary.
A senior official, in a video posted to his Facebook page, questioned Csézy’s political alignment, despite acknowledging a past relationship. The official stated he knew Csézy had resided in Maklár for 15 years, originally hailed from Mezőkövesd, and that they had met prior to 2011, even during his time as mayor. He further revealed a surprising connection, noting, “At the beginning of her career, we really supported her to get to the Eurovision Song Contest,” and that “we also sent hundreds of supportive SMSes.”
The official detailed a history of association, recalling Csézy as a frequent guest at the Civic Ball and suggesting he may have even officiated a football match in Mezőkövesd. However, this past camaraderie did not prevent a sharp critique. Despite the previous relationship, the official asserted that Csézy could not be considered right-wing due to her affiliation with the Tisza Party.
The tone escalated as the official, concealing his phone, declared he would not directly address Csézy but believed the people of South Borsod “don’t like traitors.” He emphasized, “The people of South Borsod do not forget,” a sentiment echoed in the video’s accompanying description, which stated, “the people of Matyó do not forget.”
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, swiftly responded on his own Facebook page, accusing Fidesz of launching a smear campaign against Csézy. According to Magyar, the official’s statements amounted to slander, labeling Csézy a “traitor to the Matyós.” He further criticized the official, pointing out his lengthy tenure in the electoral district and questioning his own connection to the Matyó community. Magyar also alleged that the official had blocked comments on the video following the backlash.
András Tállai has been a member of parliament since 1998, previously serving as president of NAV, the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration, and currently holds the position of parliamentary state secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. Csézy has been actively involved in the political scene, performing at the Tisza Party’s European Parliament election closing event on June 8, 2024, in Hősök Square with the song “Ez az tommonuk.” She also participated in the party’s October 23 commemoration on Széna tér, where dancers performed to the song “Itthon a best.”
Magyar is positioning Csézy as more than just a performer. He highlights her identity as a clothing designer and a descendant of the esteemed Matyó Kisjankó folk artist family, tracing their roots in Mezőkövesd back to the 18th century. As a designer, she is described as preserving Matyó traditions in a contemporary style, even earning the honor of designing clothing for Katalin Karikó, including the evening dress she wore when receiving the Nobel Prize.
According to a post from Csézy, she is deeply committed to the future of Mezőkövesd and its surrounding 53 settlements. She envisions a community built on dialogue, cooperation, and a focus on the needs of its residents, striving to create a place where tradition and progress coexist. She is actively seeking the trust and support of local voters to achieve this vision.
