Hungarian leader Viktor Orban’s officially declared wealth is fairly modest, but voters in what Transparency International deems the EU’s most corrupt country believe otherwise. The wealth amassed by Orban’s inner circle is fuelling frustration among a population grappling with sluggish growth, high inflation, and worsening public services.
According to Transparency International, Hungary has become the EU’s most corrupt country, with graft draining the equivalent of €2.84 billion from state coffers every year since 2016. Independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy, one of Hungary’s leading anti-corruption crusaders, said these are not isolated cases, but rather the way the system is functioning.
Orban’s Family Wealth
While Orban claims to live modestly, several members of his family have grown spectacularly rich since his return to power in 2010. His father, Gyozo Orban, owns several building-material companies, as well as the historic Hatvanpuszta estate, which he rebuilt into a luxurious manor worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Orban’s son-in-law, Istvan Tiborcz, has become one of Hungary’s most influential entrepreneurs through public lighting contracts won by his former company Elios. The deals were partly financed by the EU, until the EU anti-fraud office OLAF found serious irregularities. Tiborcz has since switched to real estate and tourism.
Corruption and Public Contracts
Orban’s childhood friend Lorinc Meszaros, a former plumber, has become Hungary’s wealthiest man, worth $4.8 billion, according to Forbes magazine, with an empire of construction, energy, banking, and media firms thriving on public contracts.
Here are some key points about the corruption allegations against Orban:
- €2.84 billion drained from state coffers every year since 2016
- Orban’s family members have grown rich since his return to power in 2010
- Public contracts have been awarded to Orban’s inner circle, including his son-in-law and childhood friend
The corruption allegations against Orban could have significant implications for the upcoming elections, which may spell an end to his 16-year rule.
