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Majority says Orbán should face prosecution in corruption inquiry

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A Medián poll suggests that most Hungarians expect the 'Operation Clean House' investigation to reach the Prime Minister, and that he should face prosecution. Public opinion has hardened even as the business interests of the political class are picking up more legal footnotes: the son of a former central bank governor is being sought by police, while the son of a key interior ministry aide is under investigation for tax fraud.

In the Schadl-Völner case, former justice minister Judit Varga told an investigative committee that preparing for her hearing forced her to watch what she called a 'life lie.' She is currently trading public barbs with Péter Magyar over monthly payments and executive abuses. Domestic scandals rarely lack for paper trails: current disclosures show that the ruling party handed out diplomatic passports to members of its own opposition, including a former finance minister.

While Cyclone Charles brings enough rain to trigger warnings in the south, authorities are looking for missing funds elsewhere. A state-owned firm is being investigated for spending public money on jewelry, ties, and hotel suites, and gas trading fraud is estimated to have cost the budget 54.5 billion forints.

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Public Desire for Former PM's Prosecution Amidst Corruption Probes

A Medián poll reveals that a significant majority of Hungarians believe former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán should be prosecuted. This sentiment comes as 'Operation Clean House' investigations continue into alleged corruption during his previous administration. Publicist György Balavány echoed this, predicting a 'people's celebration' if Orbán were to face prison.

Search for Former Central Bank Governor's Son, New Tax Fraud Accusations

The National Investigation Office is actively searching for Adam Matolcsy, son of the former central bank governor, who has reportedly been in hiding. Additionally, the son of an aide to former Interior Minister Sándor Pintér is under suspicion for tax fraud, drawing parallels to past accusations against former secret service officials.

Diplomatic Passports Issued to Diverse Figures

Reports indicate that diplomatic passports were issued to a broader range of individuals than previously understood, including former Finance Minister Veres János, former liberal politician Fodor Gábor, and Szilágyi György of Jobbik. This suggests the practice extended beyond a select 'elite' within the former ruling party's circles.

Judit Varga's Testimony and Public Exchange with Péter Magyar

Former Minister of Justice Judit Varga was heard by the investigative committee examining executive abuses in the Schadl-Völner case. Her testimony has led to a public 'comment war' with current Prime Minister Péter Magyar, with Varga questioning the actions taken against her and responding to Magyar's claims about financial payments.

Áron Orbán's Lawyer Denies People-Smuggling Allegations

Áron Orbán, brother of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has had his lawyer declare the recent arrest and related actions against him in a people-smuggling investigation as baseless. This follows his detention on suspicion of human trafficking.

Investigation into State Company's Alleged Misuse of Funds

An investigation has been launched into a state-owned company, previously led by a former associate of Péter Magyar, concerning alleged misuse of official funds for luxury items such as jewelry, ties, and hotel stays.

HVG Jewelry, tie, hotel family suite - official expenses that led to an… ↗

Significant Gas Trade Tax Fraud Uncovered

Hungarian authorities have reported that tax evasion schemes focused on gas trading may have defrauded the state of approximately 54.5 billion forints. Investigations into these schemes have been ongoing for nearly two years.

444 Hungary's Gas Trade Fraud Rings Costing Budget 54.5 Billion Forints ↗

Cyclone Charles Brings Heavy Rain and Warnings

Cyclone Charles is expected to bring significant rainfall in several waves until Friday evening, prompting a weather warning for the southern regions of the country.

Telex Cyclone Charles brings so much rain that a warning has been issued for the south ↗

Crime Updates: Apprehension of Most Wanted and Tragic Murder-Suicide

A Hungarian criminal on the Most Wanted list, who had altered his appearance and fled to Austria, has been apprehended. Separately, a tragic incident occurred in Szolnok where a man shot and killed his ex-wife before committing suicide.