Orbán's oligarch network gearing up to flee Hungary, Magyar says
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (photo: Getty Images)
Assets linked to associates of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are being massively moved abroad to the UAE, the United States, and Uruguay, while families of oligarchs are leaving Hungarian territory, states Hungary's future premier Péter Magyar.
Capital outflows, asset sales
Magyar says individuals close to the government are transferring tens of billions to distant countries. The Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration has already suspended several large transfers linked to associates of Minister Antal Rogán on suspicion of money laundering.
It has also been reported that representatives of the current authorities have begun urgently selling media assets, including the TV2 television channel, at below-market prices.
The future premier urged investors to refrain from purchasing these assets so they do not become subjects of future investigations.
Oligarchs fleeing abroad
The politician claims that influential oligarch families have already begun leaving Hungary. In particular, the family of the country's richest man, Lőrinc Mészáros, allegedly flew to Dubai.
"I call on the Prosecutor General and police leadership to detain criminals who are harming the Hungarian people and not allow them to flee to countries without extradition," Magyar stressed.
According to him, some officials have already taken their children out of schools and are arranging for increased security to leave the country.
Orbán's defeat, consequences for EU
Politico recently noted that after Viktor Orbán's political setback, the European Union lost its exhibitory unity. Other opponents of Ukraine's accession to the bloc will no longer be able to hide behind Budapest's position.
In addition, the media reported on who could become the Kremlin's new ally in the EU, rather than the Hungarian prime minister, as Moscow still counts on the support of several countries to advance its interests.
After his electoral failure, Viktor Orbán outlined his future plans. He has renounced his parliamentary mandate but intends to remain the leader of the Fidesz party if the decision is approved at the party congress.
