Former Fidesz organisation leader detained at Budapest Airport

The former head of the Fidesz party’s Szeged organisation was taken into custody at Budapest Airport on Friday evening after returning from Egypt, according to information confirmed by the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) to RTL.

The man resigned from his position on Saturday after learning that an arrest warrant had been issued against him, RTL reported.

Authorities said the warrant was issued in connection with suspected budget fraud, based on a decision by NAV’s Kecskemét unit.

Resignation follows publication of warrant

In a statement, the Szeged Fidesz organisation said that Feríz Rádi stepped down from his position “immediately upon learning of the allegations against him”.

The resignation came after it emerged in the press that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Suspected budget fraud case

According to official information, the arrest warrant relates to suspected budget fraud. No further details about the case have been disclosed at this stage.

The detention took place at the airport shortly after the former party official returned to Hungary.

Former DK ties and later Fidesz leadership role

Feríz Rádi was appointed head of the Szeged Fidesz local organisation in 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, according to Telex.

He had previously worked as an agricultural expert for the Democratic Coalition (DK), making his later appointment to a local Fidesz leadership role politically notable at the time.

His selection was described by some political figures as unusual, given his former opposition party background.

Academic and professional background

Feríz is a plant geneticist and a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ public body.

He studied at the University of Szeged and obtained his PhD in 2021, focusing on maize breeding and genetic resource development. In the same year, he received an award recognising him as “Young Plant Breeder of the Year”.

He currently serves as managing director of a company involved in the distribution of high-quality seeds and fertilisers.

Previous public remarks and political activity

Earlier public statements attributed to Feríz indicate that he has Egyptian heritage and was born in Hungary. He has previously spoken about experiencing discrimination and criticised anti-migration rhetoric in Hungarian public discourse.

Local reports suggested that in recent years, he had largely operated from Budapest while formally leading the Szeged party organisation.

Party response

The Szeged Fidesz organisation stated that the resignation followed immediately after the politician became aware of the allegations against him. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

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