Hungary to publish names of communist-era informants in bid to restore trust

Hungary’s new government will on Wednesday disclose the identities of tens of thousands of former state informants who worked for the communist security police between 1945 and 1989, the Guardian reported. The move is presented as an effort to confront the country’s authoritarian past and rebuild public confidence in institutions.

During the communist era, security services relied on a vast network of informants to monitor society and suppress dissent. The Guardian noted that many were forced or blackmailed into reporting on neighbours, friends, colleagues and even family members, while others were attracted by promises of material or personal advantages.

By making the files public, officials hope to provide transparency about the mechanisms of repression and to allow individuals to learn whether they were monitored or betrayed by acquaintances. The publication is expected to spark public debate about historical accountability and the lingering impact of the surveillance state.

Why it matters

Revealing the informants’ names aims to address historical injustices and restore confidence in democratic institutions.

Key details

Location

Hungary · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

2 Nov 2026, 12:39 IST

Section

World

Figure cited

From 1945 to 1989, Hungary’s communist state-security services relied on an extensive network of informants to monitor society and suppress dissent. (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian‘Traitors in every family’: Hungary to unmask communist-era informants and confront past 2 Nov, 12:39

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

Spotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced