Hungary's watchdog calls for prosecution of Orbán allies over billions in missing EU funds

Hungary's anti-corruption watchdog has called for the prosecution of high-level politicians associated with Viktor Orbán's former government, alleging a scheme to defraud the EU budget. The authority estimates that approximately €3.5 billion was lost through inflated contract prices. This development comes as Hungary's governing Tisza party has submitted a bill to parliament aimed at abolishing the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO). The SPO was established under Viktor Orbán's government and faced criticism from various groups, including opposition figures and journalists, who argued it served as a tool to suppress dissent and stigmatize individuals perceived as serving 'foreign interests.'

In a separate but related legal development, Hungarian prosecutors have dropped charges against Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony. The charges were related to the organization of an LGBTQ+ rights rally scheduled for 2025. This decision was made following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, which determined that Hungary's "child protection" law contravened EU law. This law had been the legal basis for banning the LGBTQ+ event.

The anti-corruption watchdog's call for prosecution highlights concerns about the misuse of EU funds and potential corruption within governmental structures. The proposed abolition of the Sovereignty Protection Office signals a potential shift in the government's approach to civil liberties and foreign influence, addressing criticisms that the office was used for political targeting. The dropping of charges against Mayor Karacsony, influenced by an EU court's intervention, underscores the ongoing tension between Hungarian national laws and EU legal standards, particularly concerning fundamental rights and non-discrimination.