Hungarian daily ATV reported that HVG did not publish the document it cites, which alleges the relationship was maintained while Orbán was a soldier. Based on HVG’s information, the two individuals were in direct connection. Major reportedly lives in Zalaegerszeg and refuses to talk to journalists.

ATV, citing the state security guidebook from the communist era, says that the term “social connection” referred to an individual who is “loyal to socialism and, on query or voluntarily, informs state security authorities” – though such a person was not deemed qualified to be a counter-intelligence officer.

Charges that Orbán was an informant when he was in the army were made by media oligarch Lajos Simicska during an interview published on Sunday.