Kőszeg police have launched a search for Bálint Szabó, a former Szeged city council member, after he was reported missing. Szabó, known for his public performances on the trumpet, announced his disappearance on the Facebook page of “Itt az idő” (It’s Time), the association he founded. The search was initiated on Sunday, March 8, 2026, according to reports.
“Neither his family nor his friends grasp anything about his whereabouts! If anyone has any information, please let us know here,” reads a post on the “Itt az idő” Facebook page. The disappearance has prompted concern among associates and prompted a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his absence.
According to posts on social media, Szabó was last seen on Thursday, March 5th, at approximately 6:00 PM on Széll Kálmán Square, as reported by Nagy Zsolt József, who stated that Jurta TV journalist Czetli Balázs was the last person to see him. This timing coincides with a demonstration organized by the National Resistance Movement (Nemzeti Ellenállás Mozgalom) in front of the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest on March 6th, where Szabó reportedly appeared, coinciding with his birthday.
Szabó, who previously announced he would not be running in the 2026 elections, citing a desire to step away from local political disputes, was photographed at the demonstration by Index.hu. He had initially announced his candidacy in February, intending to challenge Tiszás Magyar Péter and Steiner Attila, the Fidesz candidate, in the Hegyvidék district. Nine other parties, including Mi Hazánk and the Democratic Coalition, were also planning to compete in the same district.
Prior to his disappearance, Szabó was involved in a public exchange with Magyar Péter, the leader of the Tisza Party. According to reports, Magyar Péter asked Szabó to focus on collecting nomination signatures for the election, then dismissed him with a disparaging remark – “Let’s take this fool away, thank you” – leading to his removal from the scene by two police officers.
Szabó had previously been a vocal critic of the current political landscape, participating in anti-government protests in 2022, resulting in a 225-day prison sentence. He has also been involved in representing various groups, including those affected by the Szeviép scandal and modest retailers impacted by policies under former Szeged mayor Botka László, as well as serving as the elected president of the Hungarian Duck and Goose Association.
The Szabad Ország Mozgalom (Free Country Movement) had been supporting Szabó’s candidacy in the upcoming elections. Though, he announced his withdrawal on March 2nd, stating he had “had enough of the squabbles in the district.”
As of this writing, the Kőszeg police investigation into Szabó’s disappearance is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward. The case remains active and further updates will be provided as they become available.
The circumstances surrounding Szabó’s disappearance and his recent political activities continue to draw attention, and the investigation is expected to shed light on the events leading up to his absence.
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