Ákos Hadházy posts photos of Nikola Gruevski in Budapest and calls for extradition

Hungarian opposition politician Ákos Hadházy published photographs on his Facebook page showing former North Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski dining in a restaurant in central Budapest. Hadházy said the images were taken by a Hungarian citizen who recognised Gruevski in the city centre.

Hadházy urges revocation of asylum and extradition

In his post, Hadházy reminded readers that Gruevski was legally convicted in North Macedonia and that, in 2018, he arrived in Hungary with the assistance of Hungarian diplomats and later received political asylum during Viktor Orbán's government. He wrote: "I assume, or rather I hope, that the new government has simply forgotten about him. But we could very easily contribute to resolving the cases in Macedonia if we revoke his political asylum and return Gruevski."

Hadházy also criticised Gruevski's political links with Viktor Orbán and with former Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó. He warned that, in his view, people connected to Gruevski remain influential in North Macedonia, and for that reason political accountability should be taken seriously in Hungary as well.

The post mentioned Hungarian businessman László Szí and said companies linked to him have been involved in construction work on a motorway in North Macedonia.

Hadházy's publication comes after a change of government in Hungary: in May of this year, Péter Magyar became prime minister following Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat.

The photos and Hadházy's appeal are likely to reignite discussion in both Budapest and Skopje about the legal and political consequences of Gruevski's asylum. The issue could require decisions by Hungarian authorities about asylum status and potential legal cooperation with North Macedonian institutions.

Photo: press material from the event