Former economy minister Márton Nagy and his delegation reportedly chartered a private aircraft for the 88-kilometre journey between Brussels and Bruges, as well as for their wider trip, which cost HUF 12.5 million of taxpayer money, according to documents uncovered during an internal ministerial review.
Fidesz minister really liked private travelling
Former Hungarian economy minister Márton Nagy and his delegation used a chartered private jet to travel between Brussels and Bruges, despite the distance being just 88 kilometres, according to reports by Telex and 24.hu. The journey was part of an official trip that cost a total of HUF 12.5 million (more than EUR 34,000), according to Nikoletta Boda, a Tisza Party MP and parliamentary state secretary at the Finance Ministry. In a Facebook video, Boda cited documents uncovered during an internal review of the ministry’s activities.
The trip was officially linked to an ECOFIN meeting, which brings together EU finance ministers. However, according to the documents described in the reports, Nagy did not attend the meeting and instead returned to Hungary that morning. Boda also questioned the justification for a programme item described as a private preparatory session, arguing that it did not explain the need for the overseas trip.
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Previous scrutiny of travel expenses
Nagy’s official travel costs have previously come under scrutiny. Following a lengthy legal battle, 24.hu obtained records detailing the former minister’s overseas trips and accommodation expenses. The disclosures reportedly showed that taxpayers had sometimes paid more than HUF 800,000 per night (almost EUR 2,200) for his accommodation, including stays at luxury hotels. Some trips also involved high-end suites with private saunas and other premium facilities.
Separate reporting by 444.hu found that Nagy undertook 66 official foreign trips between January 2023 and November 2024. The combined cost of transport, accommodation and accompanying delegations exceeded HUF 132 million (more than EUR 361,000), with more than HUF 60 million (more than EUR 164,00) reportedly spent on private aircraft alone. The latest revelations add to questions about the cost and necessity of official travel during Nagy’s time in government. However, the reports do not establish that the expenditure was unlawful.
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Nagy has left the country and the political scene
Nagy reportedly moved to Zurich in Switzerland in June, after leaving Hungarian politics. Telex reported, citing a banking source, that he had taken a position at Zurich-based ISP Group, a company specialising in structured products, wealth management and capital markets. The outlet said it had independently confirmed the information, but Nagy declined to comment. The former minister has not publicly responded to the latest reports about the Brussels–Bruges journey.
