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Archived edition · August 17, 2026 Today's news →

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Scrutiny 🧐

Fidesz-Linked Institutions Face Uncertainty Amid New Financial Probes

New allegations of financial misconduct have emerged, targeting leaders of Győr's municipal media, described as a Fidesz propaganda outlet, for substantial salaries and benefits. Concurrently, the future of public benefit foundations associated with Mária Schmidt, which supported institutions like the House of Terror with billions in state funding, remains uncertain following the change in government.

Amidst these developments, former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was photographed on holiday in Croatia with Antal Rogán, a former Minister of the Prime Minister's Cabinet Office, and Mária Schmidt, Director General of the House of Terror Museum. Separately, Hungary is grappling with a severe drought affecting the Danube River, prompting Prime Minister Péter Magyar to announce the opening of the Rackeve-Soroksar Danube Lock to manage water levels, with further drops expected.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the genuine reform of Hungary's higher education system, as university leaders continue to be selected by senates linked to the previous political system. In a brighter note, Hungarian swimmers Kristóf Milák and Hubert Kós achieved significant success, with Milák returning to peak performance and Kós securing three European Championship golds.

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Fidesz-Linked Institutions and Financial Scrutiny

New investigations reveal high salaries and benefits for leaders of Győr's municipal media, identified as a Fidesz propaganda outlet. Additionally, the future of public benefit foundations linked to Mária Schmidt, which received billions in state funding for historical institutions like the House of Terror, is now uncertain following the recent political changes.

Former Leaders Pictured on Croatian Holiday

Former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was photographed on vacation in Croatia alongside Antal Rogán, a former Minister of the Prime Minister's Cabinet Office, and Mária Schmidt, Director General of the House of Terror Museum and other institutions.

Drought Impacts Danube, Government Responds

A Guardian report highlights the severe impact of the ongoing drought on the Danube River in Hungary, creating a dramatic situation. In response, Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the opening of the Rackeve-Soroksar Danube Lock to address critically low water levels, anticipating further drops in the coming days.

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