Tóta W. Árpád on István Vágó: Has he ever harmed anyone? He was a fallible, ambitious man, but we cannot know.

On Wednesday, the Historical Archives of State Security Services released data on thousands of individuals registered as agents, including notable politicians, musicians, and journalists. Among those revealed was István Vágó, a former TV host and politician, listed under the alias "Quiz." The published documents may contain false information, and the circumstances of recruitment remain unclear, raising questions about the implications of these revelations. Publicist Árpád Tóta reflected on Vágó's legacy, questioning whether he harmed anyone or collaborated with the secret police. He emphasized the pervasive fear and coercion of the era, suggesting that the release of these files could lead to a reevaluation of freedom and nostalgia.