Two former Hungarian ministers detained over suspected bribery and misuse of public funds

Two former ministers from Viktor Orbán's government, Balázs Hankó and Miklós Seszták, have been detained on suspicion of misusing public funds and bribery. The arrests followed a parliamentary vote to lift their immunity. Hankó, formerly culture minister, is accused of misappropriating €47 million from the national cultural fund, allegedly channeling it to Fidesz-linked artists and financing the party's campaign. Seszták, ex-minister for national development, is suspected of accepting €32.6 million in bribes related to vehicle procurements and public construction projects. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated these arrests signify a "real regime change" and "equality before the law," marking the first graft investigations against senior figures from Orbán's past administration. Both detained former ministers have denied wrongdoing.

Hungary's Parliament has lifted the immunity of Prime Minister Peter Magyar and two former ministers from Viktor Orban's government. This decision clears the way for prosecutors to launch separate criminal investigations into each individual. Magyar requested his immunity be removed to defend himself against accusations of theft, specifically an incident involving a stolen mobile phone. The former ministers, Balazs Hanko and Miklos Sesztak, are suspected of embezzlement and bribery, with Hanko accused of embezzling over 40 million euros in public funds. The vote occurred after prosecutors sought to investigate all three individuals. Orban's Fidesz party and its ally KDNP boycotted the parliamentary session.