Hungarian government launches anti-corruption probe into former officials

On September 15, 2026, Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban filed a legal complaint against her predecessor, Peter Szijjarto, and his associates. The complaint alleges the misuse of public funds, specifically criticizing the frequent use of expensive private flights instead of commercial airline services during their tenure in the previous four-year period. This action is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign initiated by the new government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which took office following the April elections that ended the 16-year rule of Viktor Orban.

In response to the allegations, Bertalan Havasi, a representative for Viktor Orban, denied any wrongdoing, stating that the travel arrangements strictly adhered to government decrees and were highly efficient. Meanwhile, the new administration is actively investigating various cases from the Orban era, including the purchase of 12,000 children's plastic motorcycles at triple the retail price and a 1.5 billion euro loan to Egyptian railways. Anna Unger, head of the new anti-corruption agency (NVVH), has cautioned that the investigative process will be lengthy. While the public expects rapid judicial outcomes, experts note that institutional constraints may hinder immediate prosecutions.