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Orbán launches 'watcher' list as government pledges to open secret files

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The Fidesz party, now in opposition and led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has launched a new "ÁVH-watcher" feature on its relaunched website, reportedly listing individuals. This development has been met with significant attention and signals a new dimension in the political landscape. Concurrently, the governing Tisza Party, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has committed to increased transparency by announcing that summaries of the former Orbán government's cabinet sessions will be made public, with more than 3,500 secret decisions already known.

Further financial scrutiny is underway, with a 35-year highway concession deal under review and the state potentially facing billions in costs for government aid provided to the Rahimkulov family in a development project. Investigations are also probing connections surrounding ventilator business dealings. In related news, Balázs Hankó, a Fidesz Member of Parliament and former Minister of Culture and Innovation, stated before his arrest that the proceedings against him are politically motivated.

Beyond political and financial news, a protected Natura 2000 forest area near Csopak was partially destroyed for a construction site, sparking environmental concerns. Separately, Semmelweis University has achieved a notable milestone by ranking among the world's top 250 universities, becoming the highest-ranked institution in Hungary and Central-Eastern Europe this year.

Top stories

Fidesz Launches 'ÁVH-Watcher' Website

The opposition Fidesz party has relaunched its website, featuring an "ÁVH-watcher" list that reportedly includes two names, a move initiated by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This feature is drawing attention to the party's new political messaging.

Tisza Government Pledges Transparency on Orbán-era Decisions

The new Tisza government has announced its intention to make summaries of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government sessions public, citing the public's right to know the background of past decisions. This initiative comes as over 3,500 secret decisions from the Orbán government are now known, though much information remains undisclosed.

New Corruption Probes and Financial Scandals Emerge

Several new financial irregularities and corruption probes are surfacing, including scrutiny over a 35-year highway concession deal, potential billions in state costs for government aid to the Rahimkulov family, and an investigation into ventilator business ties. Allegations of secret campaign financing involving Fidesz politicians distributing public funds have also been reported.

Former Minister Hankó Claims Political Motivation in Arrest

Balázs Hankó, a Fidesz Member of Parliament and former Minister of Culture and Innovation, has publicly stated that his recent arrest and the ongoing procedure are politically motivated. Antal Rogán, a Fidesz MP and former Minister of the Prime Minister's Cabinet Office, also commented on the Hankó affair, suggesting the former Prime Minister gave political instructions.

Billionaire Wealth Continues to Grow

The wealth of Hungarian billionaire businessman Lőrinc Mészáros has now exceeded 1.7 trillion Hungarian forints. He remains at the top of the country's billionaire list, which also includes László Szíjj and Sándor Csányi in the top five, and Dániel Jellinek, who was recently arrested, at seventh.

Protected Forest Destroyed Near Csopak

A protected Natura 2000 forest area located near Csopak has been partially destroyed and repurposed as a construction depot for a villa under development.

24.hu Part of a protected forest near Csopak was razed for a construction site ↗