United States

How Orbán’s Danube Institute spent millions in public funds on U.S. lobbyists

Viktor Orbán Donald Trump Danube Institute

The Danube Institute, a prominent international ideological centre supported by the Orbán government, has spent over half a billion forints in public funds on foreign personnel over the past three years.

According to a report by Átlátszó.hu the institute’s activities, have raised questions about adherence to U.S. lobbying laws. Some U.S.-based collaborators reportedly authored political articles for American publications without registering as foreign agents, as required by U.S. law.

The Danube Institute’s goals

The Danube Institute’s stated mission is to promote conservative and national values through conferences, publications, and research by visiting scholars. While it employs Hungarian experts, it also attracts foreign journalists, academics, and members of think tanks, many of whom regularly contribute to conservative media globally.

These visiting scholars, or “fellows,” receive substantial financial compensation, which forms a significant part of the institute’s budget. In recent years, operating costs have escalated: HUF 76.76 million (around EUR 200,000) was spent on visiting researchers in 2022, HUF 179 million (around EUR 460,000) in 2023, and a record HUF 284.6 million (around EUR 740,000) in 2024. These expenses are largely covered by public funds managed by the Lajos Batthyány Foundation, a public-interest entity.

In addition to funding researchers, the Danube Institute also supports conference speakers with its funding. While the highest speaker fee in 2024 was HUF 36.6 million (about EUR 94,000), most receive significantly less, with typical fees ranging from HUF 200,000 to HUF 400,000 (approximately EUR 500 to 1,000). These figures illustrate the institute’s growing financial investment in its international network.

The American connection

One of the Danube Institute’s key allies is the Heritage Foundation, a U.S.-based conservative think tank with an agenda that aligns closely with Orbán’s policies. This partnership could influence U.S. policy significantly if Donald Trump were to secure a second presidential term. The Heritage Foundation is leading the “2025 Project,” a strategic plan aimed at restructuring the U.S. federal government by placing Trump-aligned conservatives in key roles. Certain elements of this initiative are reportedly inspired by Orbán’s consolidation of power, reinforcing ties between the Heritage Foundation and the Danube Institute.

Compliance issues with U.S. lobbying laws

Some of the Danube Institute’s U.S.-based collaborators have reportedly been commissioned to produce political content for U.S. media, raising potential compliance issues with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Under FARA, individuals working on behalf of foreign governments or entities must register if they engage in political activities or lobbying in the U.S.

The Danube Institute employs foreign researchers who contribute to media outlets in both the U.S. and Europe, some of whom have contracts specifying a focus on U.S. media. This practice may qualify as lobbying and thus necessitate registration, as engaging in activities designed to influence public opinion in the U.S. on behalf of a foreign entity falls under FARA’s purview. As of now, no foreign researchers associated with the Danube Institute have registered under FARA, raising concerns about potential legal repercussions.

The global influence of the Danube Institute

While the institute’s U.S. initiatives have attracted considerable attention, its influence extends well beyond America. The Danube Institute has forged partnerships with numerous European think tanks and political entities, including organisations linked to the Polish government. These collaborations bolster Orbán’s ideological influence across conservative circles in Europe, cementing Hungary’s status as a model for right-wing political movements across the continent.

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October 26, 2024

PM Orbán can be happy: his ally, Trump, leads in swing states based on latest poll

Former President Donald Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris 48% to 46% nationally, with margin of error of 3.1%, according to CNBC’s All-America Economic Survey. In 7 swing states – Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – Trump leads Harris 48% to 47%, with margin of error of 4%.

As the US presidential election approaches, the most recent polls show former President Donald Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris in the race, with the economy playing a role in voters’ decisions.

A poll released Thursday by CNBC’s All-America Economic Survey showed that Trump leading Harris 48% to 46% nationally, with a margin of error of 3.1%.

In the seven battleground states – Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – Trump leads Harris 48% to 47%, with a margin of error of 4% for that portion of the poll.

This survey highlighted that many voters view the economy as the most important issue, with a significant number trusting Trump to handle it better than Harris.

According to the CNBC survey, 42% of voters believe they would be better off financially if Trump is elected, compared to 24% for Harris.

About 29% felt their financial situation would remain the same no matter who wins.

Similarly, a poll conducted by the Financial Times in collaboration with the University of Michigan Ross School of Business yielded similar findings. It revealed that 44% of voters trusted Trump more on economic issues, while 43% supported Harris.

According to the poll, when asked who would help them financially, 45% chose Trump, while 37% picked Harris.

Meanwhile, RealClearPolitics, which tracks national and regional polls, found Harris leading by 0.3 percentage points nationwide. But, Trump holds a 0.9-point lead in the seven swing states.

Another recent Wall Street Journal survey, released on Wednesday, found Trump two percentage points ahead of Harris nationally. The poll showed Trump with 47% and Harris with 45%.

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Source: Anadolu Agency.

October 25, 2024

Szabad Európa: Far-right youngster employed by Hungarian Embassy in Washington to maintain ties with Trump supporters

Since at least February 2021, American citizen Taylor James Ragg has been working as a political assistant at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington. Despite being under 30, Ragg has already built a significant political history within far-right circles.

According to Szabad Európa, Ragg’s role at the embassy is reportedly to manage relations with the Trump-aligned segment of the Republican Party.

About Ragg, the far-right youngster working at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington

Ragg has been active in the American far-right movement for at least seven years. His since-deleted Facebook profile shows that he joined several far-right groups and confirmed his attendance at their events. This is significant because some of these groups were involved in organising the August 2017 rally in Charlottesville, where Ragg was present.

On the night before the planned demonstration on 12 August, white supremacists held an unsanctioned torchlit march on a university campus. Video footage from the event helped Szabad Európa identify Ragg using facial recognition software.

The outlet also reported that Ragg socialised with white nationalist Richard Spencer and previously interned for a U.S. senator. Last year, he attended a CPAC conference in the U.S., where two Hungarian leaders from the Center for Fundamental Rights, Péter Törcsi and Magor Ernyei, were also present.

Both the embassy and Ragg have so far declined to respond to Szabad Európa’s inquiries.

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October 24, 2024

Young people planning armed attacks against protected persons in Hungary – US intelligence warns

The Hungarian Counter-Terrorism Centre has raided a pub in Pest, where young people were planning an armed attack on 23 October, the commemoration of the 1956 events, according to US intelligence. The six young people detained included a mixture of boys and girls.

According to Telex, a group of young people was preparing to carry out an armed action on the upcoming national holiday of 23 October. The US Secret Service brought this to the attention of the Hungarian authorities about two weeks ago.

In possession of the information, the Counter-Terrorism Centre raided the Legenda Pub in the 16th district of Budapest, arresting and detaining six young people.

The detained young people were a mixture of girls and boys, but none of them were found to be carrying sharp weapons, only airsoft and deactivated weapons.

The owner of the Legenda Pub told Index that the youths were not yet inside the club but were on their way when the SWAT team intercepted them. They could see what was happening through the window, but they did not know what was happening.

Responding to a question from Index on Monday about the planned armed attack, the government information centre (KTK) said that over the weekend, the Hungarian services received information from their US counterpart that young people were discussing in an online group about a planned operation involving protected persons in the near future.

It also turned out that the photos and information shared in this forum during the monitoring revealed that the young people organising the action were planning to acquire and use weapons. “In view of the international events of recent months, when several leading politicians have been attacked with weapons, the Hungarian services and the Counter-Terrorism Centre are paying special attention to monitoring such information and taking the necessary measures”.

The fate of the arrested young people is not yet clear, but we will be sure to share it with our readers as soon as we have new information.

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October 21, 2024

A message from the legacy of Dracula: Béla Lugosi’s granddaughter speaks to fans

She would like to visit Hungary one day and is glad that Madame Tussauds Budapest commemorates his grandfather with a wax figure, said Lynne Lugosi, Béla Lugosi’s granddaughter, who has a major role in the soon-to-be-published first official biographical book about one of the most famous Hungarians in world history.

Béla Lugosi has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his birthplace is visited by thousands, and Madame Tussauds Budapest pays tribute to Lugosi, who was born 142 years ago on 20 October, with a lifelike wax figure. On the occasion of the anniversary, the actor’s granddaughter also spoke through Madame Tussauds Budapest. Related article: Hungarians on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Béla Lugosi started a new life overseas in 1920 and never returned home. He married Lillian Arch in 1933, with whom he had one child, Béla Lugosi Jr. Currently, his daughter Lynne Lugosi runs the company that manages her grandfather’s estate.

“My grandfather and grandmother Lillian created beautifully organised photo albums and scrapbooks that documented both my grandfather’s career and his personal life with Lillian and my father, Bela Lugosi, Jr. These are treasures to our family and pieces of history for the film world” – said Lynne Lugosi. “Our most prized piece from my grandfather’s personal items was his screen-worn cape from the 1931 Universal film Dracula. After the film, Béla wore the cape on stage and in appearances for the rest of his life. My grandmother preserved the cape and gave it to my father, who in turn kept it with the family until he decided that this extraordinary artifact, one that defined Béla and the character he created, should be preserved and shared with future generations. The Béla Lugosi Dracula Cape is now in the collection of the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, California,” said Lynne Lugosi, who is living in the United States. She also revealed that the most famous Hungarian stayed connected to Hungary and Transylvania throughout his life.

“Throughout his life, Béla spent his social time almost exclusively with his wife Lillian’s family, who were also Hungarian, and his close friends in the Hungarian community in Los Angeles. He primarily spoke Hungarian at home and was an avid reader of Hungarian newspapers, but most of all, he loved Hungarian food, Egri Bikavér wine, and parádi ásványvíz sulfur water! As a young child, my dad understood Hungarian and spoke a little, but as he got older, he lost his knowledge of the language,”

said the granddaughter, who has not yet been to Hungary nor Lugos, now part of Romania, the star’s birthplace, but she plans to travel to Budapest.

“I look forward to someday visiting Hungary and Madame Tussauds Budapest. The Lugosi Family is honoured that the Béla Lugosi figure has such a prominent place in the museum,” Lynne Lugosi said. Fans can see Lugosi’s wax figure in two places: Hollywood, a few steps from the Walk of Fame, and downtown Budapest. Lynn will do everything to ensure that the creator of Dracula is not forgotten.

“I have taken over the mantle from my dad of running Lugosi Enterprises and of representing the family and our patriarch, Béla Lugosi. Our company’s mission is to protect and extend Béla Lugosi’s legacy. One of the projects is the Béla Lugosi Collection at the Academy Film Archive in Los Angeles. I am very excited to announce that the definitive and only family-authorised biography of Béla Lugosi will be released in December of this year. The project has been years in the making and has been a true passion project for me and for our friend and author, Robert Cremer. Béla Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape tells the story of the man destined to become Dracula, from his birth in Lugos, Hungary, to his death in 1956 and details through photographs his career and personal life,” said Lynne Lugosi. Fans can see the wax figure of Béla Lugosi on his birthday and every day. Lugosi is also featured in the production’s experiential education program for students.

Photos: Courtesy of the Béla Lugosi Collection

October 21, 2024

Contemporary Hungarian art on display in New York

Contemporary Hungarian art from the collection of the National Bank of Hungary has gone on display in the Fridman Gallery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and will be open to the public for one month.

Abstraction in Hungary

According to Fridman Gallery’s official site, in the landscape of twentieth-century art, abstraction stands out for its remarkable adaptability and ongoing reinvention. Drawing inspiration from diverse fields such as ecology, design, science, and psychology, abstract art has continuously evolved in response to shifts in society and our perception of the world. Additionally, the way we interpret an abstract work is often shaped by our understanding of the artist’s local context.

At the start of the twentieth century, abstraction signaled the dawn of modernism, revolutionizing painting and sculpture by breaking away from the traditional focus on representation. As it sought to reflect the era’s technological and social transformations, abstraction aimed to create a universal visual language, transcending cultures but still carrying local significance. Abstract Narratives delves into this phenomenon, spotlighting artists from specific regions whose distinct approaches raise questions about the historiography and regional influences on abstract art.

Hungarian abstraction, in its early development, was shaped by internationally recognized artists like László Moholy-Nagy, Lajos Kassák, and György Kepes, who left Hungary before or shortly after World War II. Following Hungary’s communist takeover in 1948, abstraction was denounced as imperialist, bourgeois, and counter to the working class. By the 1960s, in Hungary and other Soviet-bloc countries, abstraction not only served as a contrast to the figurative nature of socialist realism but also became a symbol of political resistance and artistic freedom. While incorporating global styles like gestural and color-field painting, Hungarian abstraction explored its own role within the nation’s social, architectural, and design context. Influenced by Kassák’s constructivist ideas and Moholy-Nagy’s focus on pure composition, the Hungarian abstract movement was defined by clean forms, vibrant colors, sharp edges, and smooth surfaces that concealed the artist’s hand.

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The 1980s and the fall of the Iron Curtain opened up new possibilities for artistic experimentation. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that abstraction experienced a true “revival,” driven by the rise of media, the internet, digital tools, and globalism. In Eastern Europe, artists who lived through World War II, communism, and the tumultuous shift to capitalism in the 1990s have responded to these new global trends in ways distinct from younger generations. Contemporary abstract artists now work within a platform shaped by technological and formal innovation, facilitated by the accessibility of public media. Yet, at the heart of their work lie personal stories, which often serve as the key to understanding their conceptual choices and artistic methods. Abstract Narratives seeks to dismantle rigid frameworks of judgment, embracing abstraction as a global language that transcends borders, expressed through personal, historical, and sometimes ideological lenses.

Contemporary Hungarian art in NY

The exhibition entitled Abstract Narratives features works by

Zsófi BARABÁS, Róbert BATYKÓ, Erika FÁBIÁN, István FELSMANN, Ferenc FICZEK, Márk FRIDVALSZKI, Andreas FOGARASI, György GÁSPÁR, Simon HANTAI, Rita KOSZORÚS, Márton NEMES, Dia PINTÉR, Judit REIGL, Anthony VASQUEZ.

Central bank deputy governor Barnabás Virág told the opening event on Saturday that the bank, following the example of other central banks worldwide, had set up a contemporary art collection in 2020. By now, it includes some 1,400 works, and after New York, the exhibition will travel to 14 cities in Europe and Asia.

read also – Spectacular: Claude Monet -The Immersive Experience opens 1st time in Budapest – PHOTOS

October 21, 2024

Hungarians in Florida, Carolinas collecting donations for Hungarians impacted by natural disasters

Local diaspora leaders said on Saturday that Hungarians living in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina have launched donation drives to help those impacted by natural disasters in the last three weeks.

Hungarians in Carolina

Zsuzsi Kozma, head of the Carolinas Hungarian Group (Karolinai Magyar Csoport), said several families had contacted the group after last month’s hurricane and floods.

She said the organisation had offered to donate 3,000 dollars to those impacted by the disasters, which was later doubled by small private donations. She said some Hungarians in North and South Carolina were still without internet, though they have had their power restored.

Hungarians in Florida

Meanwhile, over a dozen Hungarian organisations in Florida have launched a donation drive through the Hungarian Community Church for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Polish TVN in the crosshairs: Hungarian TV2 owner plans bold acquisition amid Russian influence fears

According to local media, the Hungarian television network TV2’s owner is looking to acquire TVN, Poland’s largest TV station, raising concerns in Warsaw about hidden Russian influence.

Following the 2023 Polish elections, the right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS), led by Jarosław Kaczyński, lost its grip on both political power and the state broadcaster, TVP. TVP had played a key role in PiS’s media strategy, serving as a platform for pro-government propaganda. Without this tool, Kaczyński emphasised the need for the right wing to secure a new major television channel. In response, PiS shifted its focus to Poland’s commercial broadcasters, with TVN, the country’s most-watched private network, becoming a primary target.

According to 444, TVP acted as a major propaganda tool for the ruling PiS party for years, similar to Hungary’s public media under Fidesz. The channel pushed controversial narratives, including warnings of an LGBTQ “invasion” under opposition rule and publishing fake photos to discredit Donald Tusk and his family. While PiS’s propaganda helped rally its core supporters, it failed to attract broader public backing. After Tusk’s Civic Platform won the elections in October and formed a coalition government, they quickly replaced PiS loyalists running public media. Despite protests, PiS lost its primary media stronghold.

Throughout PiS’s seven years in power, Poland’s media landscape remained more diverse than Hungary’s, with independent newspapers and TV stations maintaining influence. This diversity allowed for independent opinions within both opposition and right-wing media, contrasting Hungary’s more uniform pro-government messaging. However, the PiS leadership continued to believe in the dominance of opposition media, particularly foreign-owned outlets, which they viewed as adversaries. The government repeatedly pushed for “repolonisation,” aiming to increase Polish ownership in the media sector, especially in response to German-controlled media companies.

In 2021, PiS sought to curb the influence of TVN, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, through a law designed to limit the stakes non-EU companies could hold in Polish media. This legislation, widely known as “Lex TVN,” was ultimately blocked, when President Andrzej Duda, who had been nominated by PiS, refused to sign the bill into law. According to reports, Duda’s decision was influenced by U.S. President Joe Biden, due to concerns about restricting American media ownership in Poland. As a result, PiS had to look for other ways to gain influence over TVN.

tvn tv2 duda — Andrzej Duda, president of Poland. Source: MTI

Hungarian interests emerge in TVN acquisition

Now, reports indicate that PiS is seeking to acquire TVN with the help of Hungarian business interests. As reported by Blikk, the Hungarian TV2 network, owned by József Vida, has emerged as a potential buyer for TVN. The deal could involve an investment of at least HUF 500 billion (more than EUR 1.2 billion). However, Polish media outlets have raised concerns about this possible acquisition, particularly regarding the financial backing behind Vida.

In addition to TV2, other bidders are reportedly interested in purchasing TVN. These include an unnamed American broadcaster and the PFF Group, a Dutch-registered company originally founded by the late Czech billionaire Petr Kellner. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TVN, is facing financial difficulties, with its stock having dropped by 70% over the past two and a half years. This situation could make the company more willing to sell its Polish assets.

Alleged Russian influence and concerns over national security

Though József Vida owns TV2, his wealth may not be enough to finance such a large transaction. This has fueled speculation that the actual financial backing may come from other figures within Hungary’s National Cooperation System (NER), particularly Lőrinc Mészáros, a Hungarian oligarch closely tied to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Mészáros has previously been linked to Russian business interests, including ownership of the luxury yacht Rose d’Or, which was once connected to Russian oligarch Konstantin Strukov. Due to these ties, the Polish government has expressed concerns about potential Russian influence over the media market, especially given Hungary’s historically friendly ties with Moscow. Polish officials have even alerted the United States to the potential security risks associated with this acquisition.

tvn tv2 mészáros — Lőrinc Mészáros, the billionaire presumed to be behind the acquisition. Source: MTI

The potential acquisition of TVN by Hungarian interests, with alleged Russian ties, has sparked concerns in Poland and the broader geopolitical arena. For PiS, gaining control over the country’s largest private broadcaster would be a significant victory in regaining media influence. However, the involvement of foreign entities, particularly those with suspected Russian links, has raised concerns in both Poland and the United States, leading to heightened scrutiny of the potential sale.

Read about Warner Bros. Discovery’s plans to sell their Polish asset here
Learn more about Lőrinc Mészáros and his ties to Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán here
… and his yacht previously owned by a Russian oligarch here

Featured image: depositphotos.com

October 20, 2024

Hungarian FM Szijjártó thankful for American FDI

Companies from the United States form the second-biggest group of investors in Hungary and play a “big role” in ensuring the country’s economic neutrality, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said at a USHBC roundtable talk in Budapest on Thursday.

In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjártó said the government was constantly working to improve conditions to draw more investments to Hungary. He acknowledged challenges in recent years, especially the impact of the war in Ukraine, which required a focus on bringing down inflation instead of spurring economic growth in 2023, but said Hungary was “back on track” and the government was ready to give “new impetus” to the economy.

“We want to achieve growth of between 3pc and 6pc next year,” he said, pointing to big investments in the pipeline, including new local manufacturing capacity of German car makers BMW and Mercedes, and plants of Chinese battery maker CATL and EV manufacturer BYD.

Hungarian FM Szijjártó thankful for American FDI — Photo: FB/Szijjártó

Adopting a strategy of economic neutrality, Hungary’s government aims to draw investments from all corners of the world, he added.

Hungary is meeting point for economies of East and West

Szijjártó said Hungary had become a kind of “meeting point” for the economies of the East and the West and spoke out against efforts to decouple those economies. He added that those efforts were “far from reality” as mutual dependence was increasing.

He noted that Hungary was one of just three countries in the world that was home to plants of all three premium German car brands, while it had also welcomed manufacturing capacity of five of the world’s top ten Asian battery manufacturers.

“For us, economic neutrality means that in Hungary, an American can work together with anybody, be they Chinese, Indian, Korean, Dutch or German. It doesn’t matter to us, as long as they follow the rules and want to invest here, it’s alright with us,” he said.

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October 17, 2024

The Telegraph: Washington will store nuclear-capable jets in Hungary – will nuclear warheads come?

Russian politicians and military leaders regularly threaten NATO with war. As a result, Washington decided to expand their military base in Kecskemét to accommodate nuclear-capable fighter jets. Will there be nuclear weapons stored in Hungary? It happened before during the Soviet occupation of our country, but can Hungary store nuclear warheads again for a great power?

Helló Magyar wrote about the secret nuclear weapons store in the Bakony Mountains in Hungary where the Soviet leadership placed atomic bombs in the 1960s. The so-called Little Moscow was like a separate Soviet state inside Hungary until the fall of communism. Even Hungarian officers were not allowed to enter. The Soviet crew there had their shops, stores, healthcare units, schools, daycare, etc.

The Soviet Union stored more than 100 nuclear warheads in Hungary

As a result, the base remained secret, and nobody knows even today how many nuclear warheads Moscow kept there. In addition, we do not know what types were stored in the Bakony Mountains. We only know that the Hungarian military did not have access to those weapons of mass destruction. In case of a world war, the Soviet Union would have used them.

Nuclear bomber Hungary Washington nuclear warheads — A B-52H Stratofortress in Hungary. Photo: Facebook

In 1989-1990, the Soviet army smuggled out the nuclear weapons in secret. The last Soviet soldier left the country on 19 June 1991. Interestingly, the last Soviet officer leaving Hungary was a Ukrainian national, Lieutenant General Silov.

In 1997, Hungary joined NATO, and several NATO bases were created where, for example, the United States stores weapons, aircraft, etc. One of them is near Kecskemét, Central Hungary.

Will Washington send nuclear weapons to Hungary?

The Telegraph wrote that – due to the threats of Russia – they plan to expand their Kecskemét base and would like to store nuclear-capable jets. According to the British magazine, the immediate cause is that Washington believes Russia will be ready for war by the end of this decade. Therefore, America would like to enhance their deterrence forces in the area. According to 24.hu, Washington plans to place tactical fighters and strategic military transport planes in Kecskemét.

Nuclear warheads in Hungary USA — Photo: depositphotos.com

The Hungarian media outlet asked the Ministry of Defence whether they authorised the United States to place and store nuclear weapons in Hungary. The ministry’s answer was clear: no such bid came from Washington. They added that delivering, placing or storing nuclear weapons in Hungary is forbidden without the authorisation of the Hungarian government and the National Assembly. The Hungarian government has not issued such a permit and does not plan to do so.

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Featured image: illustration, source: depositphotos.com

October 16, 2024

Sovereignty Protection Office: Transparency International Hungary activity harmful for country

The Sovereignty Protection Office said on Monday that the Transparency International Hungary Foundation (TIM) carries out activities that are harmful to Hungary, stigmatising the country and state institutions and exerting influence based on disinformation.

The office on June 18, 2024, launched a one-off, comprehensive inquiry into the activities of TIM and found that the assessment of the organisation’s financing, activities, and network of relations proved that it carries out political pressure activities as part of a global lobbying network operating for over thirty years, along the interests of the extensive powers that stand behind the network, a statement said. The World Bank founded the TI network to represent US interests and fulfill its strategic goals.

TIM performs its activities with the involvement of foreign state funding, it said. The main financers of the international network operating the organisation are states that have the largest voting power in the World Bank and the European Commission. Also among significant supporters is the Open Society Foundation linked to US businessman George Soros, it added. More than 80 percent of the organisation’s operations are financed from foreign sources.

The terms “transparency” and “anti-corruption” used to shape public opinion by the international network that stands behind TIM do not serve the clarity of public life and balanced competition between market players but are tools to enforce US economic and political interests, the statement said. The organisation performs activities that are harmful to Hungary, stigmatises the country and state institutions and exerts influence based on disinformation by monopolising these terms.

The primary tool of the organisation is a corruption perceptions index prepared in the Berlin center, which the organisations financing and/or cooperating with TI, and TI itself, can use “manipulatively” to serve their interests best, the Sovereignty Protection Office said. The report prepared by the office shows that the corruption perceptions index and its utilisation possesses all formal characteristics of disinformation, and can be considered disinformation “because it is capable of presenting untrue statements as the truth”, it added.

The methodology of the corruption perceptions index is “manipulative”, making the index capable of influencing the international assessment of countries, it said. It added that TIM attempts to paint an unfavourable picture of Hungary and Hungarian state administration organisations by communicating this index. “The TIM’s shadow reports containing disinformation prepared for the European Commission cause real political, economic and social damage to Hungary,” the office said.

The “shadow reports” methodology is kept hidden from Hungarian society. At the same time, the “disinformation campaign” built on them attempts to restrict Hungary’s ability to enforce its political and economic interests internationally, the statement said. The “shadow reports” supplied by TIM to accompany rule-of-law reports are suitable for influencing domestic democratic competition, it added.

The Sovereignty Protection Office also said that TIM had refused to cooperate right from the start during the inquiry. “Despite this, based on the analysis of information revealed and an assessment of correlations, the office concluded that the organisation’s operations are not transparent,” it added.

Transparency International Hungary response

As the TIM official site said, Transparency International Hungary’s response in July to the Sovereignty Protection Office inquiry can be found here. The complaint to the Constitutional Court is available here, and the investigation with 62 questions is accessible here.

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October 14, 2024

The Offspring set to return to Budapest after 7-year break

It’s official! According to concert promoter Live Nation, the legendary American punk rockers The Offspring are heading back to Budapest after a seven-year gap. The band, known for their high-octane shows and anthems that have stood the test of time, dropped their 11th studio album, Supercharged, on 11 October, and Budapest is on the list of stops for their upcoming world tour. Great news for fans – they’ll be rocking the city once again!

Originally formed in 1984 in Garden Grove, California, The Offspring were at the forefront of the ’90s punk revival, along with bands like Green Day and Rancid. With 11 albums under their belt, their unique blend of punk rock and catchy hooks has made them a household name across the globe.

The band enjoyed massive success in the 1990s before taking a bit of a break, during which time frontman Dexter Holland casually went off and earned a PhD from the University of Southern California – as you do. More recently, in 2021, they were all over the headlines after parting ways with their drummer over a disagreement on vaccination rules. But despite these bumps along the road, The Offspring have kept going strong, consistently dropping new music and touring worldwide. Last year, they even shared the stage with big names like Queen’s Brian May and Ed Sheeran.

Talking about the new album, Dexter Holland said, “The title ‘Supercharged’ just felt right for where the world is right now. Everyone seems fired up – whether it’s on social media or out in the real world.” He also mentioned that the album’s sound takes inspiration from some of his all-time favourite records.

The last time The Offspring hit Budapest was back in 2018, but they’ve got a bit of a history with the city, having played there multiple times before – in 2004, 2011, and 2018. Every gig has pulled in huge crowds, eager to hear both the classics and their newer tunes. This upcoming 2025 concert is shaping up to be a perfect mix of their biggest hits and fresh tracks from Supercharged, and it’s already creating a buzz among fans who’ve been following them since their breakout in the ’90s.

The Offspring will be taking the stage at the MVM Dome on 31 October 2025 as part of their latest world tour. It’s going to be one not to miss!

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October 14, 2024

Hungarian foreign minister condemns Kamala Harris for labeling Orbán an autocratic dictator

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has strongly criticised US Vice President Kamala Harris for her comments regarding Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Speaking to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Szijjártó expressed his indignation:

“First of all, this is outrageous. It’s unacceptable to speak about my Prime Minister in such a manner. It shows a complete lack of respect for him and the Hungarian people,” he said.

During an interview on Wednesday, Kamala Harris, a Democratic presidential candidate, was asked about Donald Trump’s relationships with various world leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. In response, Kamala Harris described them as:

“Dictators, autocrats, and people who could rightly be called killers.”

For several days, the Hungarian government refrained from officially responding to the remarks. This delay was in part due to Szijjártó’s busy schedule, as he was visiting Russia for the 11th time since the outbreak of the war, attending the International Gas Forum. Related article: Cooperation with Russian Gazprom ensures supply and great price for Hungary, foreign minister says in Russia

However, Szijjártó has now addressed the issue.

“We have always shown respect towards the American people and expect the same respect in return. Such statements reflect an utter lack of respect, which is unacceptable, especially between allies,” Szijjártó told RIA Novosti.

When asked whether Harris’s comments would affect Hungarian-American relations, Szijjártó warned that if she were to become the next president, it would not bode well for the future of bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, along with Minister Szijjártó and the rest of the Orbán government, offered their full support to Donald Trump both during and before his campaign, prompting accusations of the Hungarian government interfering in the US election. Despite this, the Orbán administration frequently cautions other countries against meddling in Hungary’s internal affairs. It is also noteworthy that while the Hungarian government deems it crucial to maintain ties with Putin due to Russia’s global influence, the Biden administration, one of the world’s most powerful governments, has repeatedly clashed with and openly criticised the US President.

You can watch the Kamala Harris interview here:

October 14, 2024

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian! – VIDEO

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian (Copy)

Almost everybody agrees that the Hungarian language is not among the easiest ones. As a result, most foreigners do not even try to learn more than some words and phrases like “Köszönöm!” (“Thank you!”) and “Szia” (“Hi”). But not this American guy. He ordered a complex menu at a Burger King Drive Thru in Hungarian and posted a TikTok video about it, which went viral soon after.

Learning Hungarian is challenging

Do you remember the British girl who broke down when she heard Hungarian? We wrote about her in January. Her task was to guess languages after hearing a few sentences or counting. An English participant of the show had to guess Hungarian, but the counting from 1 to 5 in Hungarian shocked her. Click HERE to read the full story and check out the funny video.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Hungarian is one of the most challenging languages in the world. Although a British tourist can easily deduct and use some Spanish words on a holiday in Spain or do the same in Italy, in Hungary, it is almost impossible to comprehend even the basics of our language.

Another consequence of the uniqueness of our language is that it is hard for us to learn another language because no language is similar to ours. A Romanian can easily grasp French, Spanish or Italian, while Slovaks can make themselves understood by a Polish, a Russian or a Czech individual. Hungarians master languages harder and that is probably why the foreign language knowledge level is one of the lowest in Europe in Hungary.

American guy ordered in Hungarian

Recently, an American guy blew up the internet with his Hungarian knowledge which made him able to order at a Burger King Drive Thru. Ordering by leaning out from a car window while there is regularly a constant traffic noise in the background is not easy even if you speak the language fluently. There are many misunderstandings generating extra questions you cannot prepare for. You do not only have to speak correctly and pronounce the word perfectly but also use a good intonation, etc. Therefore, most foreigners do not even try to place their orders that way.

But this American guy was brave enough and succeeded without an error. We can see that sometimes it was hard for him to understand everything, and once it took him some time to dig up the correct word (“fagyi” – ide cream). And he did not only order a cheeseburger with fries. His menu was much more complex:

Lots of positive feedback – viral video

He received lots of positive feedback. A commenter wrote “OMG, in my experience, foreigners have difficulty pronouncing “ö” but you nailed it! Amazing job”. Others congratulated him for his good command of Hungarian, others said he spoke better than some Hungarians. We hope that the success and the feedback will encourage him to continue his career in mastering the language. People also appreciated that he ordered very politely in Hungarian. “This just felt wholesome, you seem too pure-hearted, we protect you at all cost”, a commenter wrote.

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian (Copy) (2) — “Did I do it well?”, the wholesome American guy asks at the end of the video. Photo: PrtScr/Tiktok

He already amassed 115 thousand views on his video and more than 8,000 likes. The number of comments exceeds 180 and all of them are positive.

@exotranq That was great practice! Let me know how I did 😅 thank you @Burger King for the meal! #fyp #xyzbca #hungary #american #language #viral #challenge #food ♬ original sound – exotranc

Read also:

The history of the Hungarian language – read our article HERE
12 facts about the Hungarian language you did not know about – check out the details in THIS article

October 14, 2024

Opinion: The Trump-Orbán bromance

Orbán says President Trump will end the war in Ukraine Orbán cabinet

During the recent U.S. Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Trump mentioned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as an example of his appeal to foreign leaders. “Let me just say about world leaders: Viktor Orbán, one of the most respected men, they call him a strong man. He’s a tough person, a smart prime minister of Hungary,” Trump said.

Many patriotic Hungarians likely agree with Trump. But on the world stage, despite his political prowess at home, Viktor Orbán is a small player. Provocative and often at odds with his colleagues in the EU, Mr. Orbán may be running out of time as real-world issues, such as Hungary’s troubled economy, clash with his Christian Democratic ideology.

Hungary’s restrictive immigration policy and rejection of LGBTQ rights not only drive away foreign workers and “sexual deviants” but also many young skilled Hungarians who are disillusioned with Orbán and his Fidesz Party.

Unlike Soviet times, when traveling outside Hungary required a visa that could take years to obtain (if at all), today Hungarians can live and work freely in any of the EU’s 27 member countries. While most see this as a positive, it could prove to be a curse for Mr. Orbán at this precarious moment in his political career, as Hungary lags behind the rest of Europe. Christian Democratic ideals may please Orbán’s base, but they come at a cost.

Hungary boasts a glorious past dating back to 896, but aside from the nostalgia this history evokes, it is largely irrelevant in a nation now reduced to an experimental Evangelical fantasyland, where religious zealots—inside and outside government—are building a Christian Democratic state. Many Americans see Mr. Orbán as a guiding light and wonder: If only we could do in the United States—under Donald Trump—what Viktor Orbán has achieved in Hungary.

Despite Mr. Trump’s kind words and Orbán’s populist appeal, Hungary is a minor player on today’s global stage. Apart from tourism, Christian extremism, and a handful of companies, Hungary’s economy is in decline. With a population of 9.5 million, Hungary accounts for just 2.1% of the EU’s total population of 449 million. Its contribution to the EU economy is even smaller, comprising only 1.2% of GDP in 2023.

According to a recent EU Eurostat report (2015–2022), Hungary lags behind the rest of Europe and, embarrassingly, its neighbors in terms of labor productivity.

When skilled workers leave and under-skilled workers remain, this is the result. A country not only loses its best minds but also forfeits the greater tax revenue that comes from higher-paid workers.

The Trump-Orban Bromance_chart 1 — Source: Eurostat

This is the brain-drain effect, and Hungary has a long history of it. Following World War I, brilliant minds like Von Neumann, Teller, and Szilárd fled in fear of Hungary’s alliance with Germany. In 1956, during the Budapest uprising, future Intel CEO Andy Grove (Graf András) escaped to the U.S., along with hundreds of others. It is hard to quantify Hungary’s brain drain contribution to the U.S. economy, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it exceeds Hungary’s existing GDP.

While the world has experienced inflation since the COVID pandemic, the pain is particularly acute in Hungary, where inflation is double that of the EU average.

To say that Mr. Orbán has a community of oligarch supporters he needs to keep happy is no exaggeration. It’s one more drain on the Hungarian economy, negating any benefits from cheaper fuel imports from Russia.

The Trump-Orban Bromance_chart 2 — Source: Eurostat

While the EU has reduced imports from Russia, Hungarian imports have increased. Publicly, Mr. Orbán claims to be protecting Hungarians from high heating bills. Privately, he’s realigning Hungary with Russia as a backup plan for Hungary’s shaky alliance with the EU. The man who told Russia to go home in 1989 seems to have welcomed them back in 2024.

While Mr. Orbán and Mr. Putin may have different talking points, they are united in their cringe-worthy outlook on LGBTQ rights and share a deep resentment toward those in the U.S. and Europe who have lectured them on this subject for the past 20 years.

The Trump-Orban Bromance_chart 3 — Source: Eurostat

While the rights of all people must be protected in a civilized world, some matters are best approached gently—or perhaps not at all. What American and Western European leaders fail to understand is that Hungary and other Eastern European countries remain emotionally tied to a past when kaisers and kings ruled. It’s how they preserve tradition and maintain a sense of purpose in the world. For many, discussions about sexual orientation are deeply off-putting.

While the rest of Europe advances on renewable energy, Hungary’s progress has been limited to rhetoric, according to the Berlin-based Clean Energy Wire.

The Trump-Orban Bromance_chart 4 — Source: Eurostat

In addition to political and economic challenges, Mr. Orbán faced further problems earlier this year when it was revealed that a man convicted of concealing sexual abuse at a boys’ home had been secretly pardoned. For a government preoccupied with “deviant sexuality” and pedophilia, this was a bad look. As a result, Orbán’s former colleague Péter Magyar and his new party have emerged as a threat to Orbán’s reelection in 2026.

For Mr. Trump, none of this matters. Because Viktor Orbán is the only European leader willing to praise Trump, he must therefore be a respected and powerful person. Details don’t matter to a self-make genius who, we can be assured, knows more than anybody.

Author: Fred Eberlein

Read also:

October 11, 2024

Válasz Online: Hungary’s strongest allies view PM Orbán as a traitor

Péter Magyari, a journalist for Válasz Online, argues that Washington, Brussels, and Berlin no longer wish to persuade the Hungarian Prime Minister regarding anything, as they perceive Orbán and his government as traitors to Western powers and values. This situation could lead to significant policy changes in Budapest, as well as potential sanctions against Hungary, as relations have reached an unprecedented low.

Magyari begins by noting that US Ambassador David Pressman threatened the Hungarian government during a speech at the Budapest Forum on 18 September. He stated, “There must be a reckoning for Hungary’s allies and partners. We too must recognise that what we used to dismiss with an eye-roll requires us to confront it directly and respond to it unflinchingly.”

Pressman remarked that there was a troubling consistency between the words and actions of the Orbán administration. He added that the government exploits the aggressive rhetoric of pro-government media. “Hungary’s billboards, headlines, and statements are no longer – if they ever were – mere words, political rhetoric, or communications ploys. They are an arm of state power,” Pressman asserted.

orbán pressman usa — Pressman carefully selected his words. Photo: FB/US Embassy

Magyari believes Pressman chose his words with great care, as diplomats are always required to do so. The term “arm” is particularly significant in this context, suggesting that Hungary has opted to align itself with the “wrong” side of history. If the American ambassador expresses such views, it is clear that Washington considers the Hungarian government a potential threat.

Attacks from American Republicans

Furthermore, Republican leaders in the US have launched additional attacks against PM Orbán and his administration. Mitch McConnell, the US Senate Republican leader, stated that PM Orbán admires Russian President Putin and supports him. “His government runs interference for Moscow, gumming up European and trans-Atlantic efforts to combat Russia’s unlawful aggression at every turn,” he asserted.

McConnell also condemned Orbán’s cordial relations with Xi Jinping and the increasing Chinese influence and investments in Hungary. “When Chinese state enterprise has said jump, Hungarian officials have asked, how high?”, he wrote. “As European allies began to heed warnings from the Trump Administration to reduce reliance on Chinese industry and technology, Budapest repeatedly blocked EU progress and welcomed a geyser of Chinese Belt-and-Road investment.”

Budapest International Book Festival Putin Orbán — Washington does not buy that Orbán’s visit in Moscow this July was for peace. Photo: FB/Orbán

McConnell further criticised Hungary’s relationship with Iran, saying, “I have little sympathy for Hungarian companies that struggle to profit from their ties to the genocidal regime in Tehran.” He concluded that the Orbán regime is betting on an American decline. “They’re not hiding the ways they’re preparing for American weakness and betting on our failure.”

In the first weeks of October, a Senate delegation visited Hungary and expressed concerns regarding the deepening ties between Russia and Hungary, as well as China and Hungary, along with the ongoing erosion of democratic institutions in Hungary.

Démarche from Germany and France

The United States is not the Orbán cabinet’s sole critic in the Western hemisphere. We wrote HERE that the ambassadors of Germany and France sent a démarche to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Balázs Orbán’s words. Balázs Orbán is the political director of PM Orbán, but they are not related. Mr Orbán sat behind the prime minister even today in Strasbourg while his boss was explaining the priorities of the Hungarian EU Presidency and answering critical remarks said by the officials of the European Commission and MEPs.

PM Orbán in the 'lion's den' — Balázs Orbán in the right side of the photo. Photo: MTI

Balázs Orbán said in an interview that they would not have recommended Zelensky defend his country against Russian aggression. That is because the Hungarians learned from our 1956 anti-Communist uprising that resisting a Russian invasion is futile. Orbán’s words were followed by public outcry. The two ambassadors said such thoughts undermine the common values of NATO and the European Union.

Orbán not neutral

Válasz Online believes that Germany’s message was unequivocal: PM Orbán’s notion of “economic neutrality” and his failure to choose between East and West are unacceptable to the West.

Politicians in the West perceive the Hungarian government as a puppet of China and a supporter of Putin. This is not neutrality; rather, it is an alignment with adversaries.

Meanwhile, Magyari points out that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has expressed the Hungarian government’s warm feelings towards Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Washington has imposed sanctions on Dodik multiple times due to his actions undermining the Dayton Agreement.

Hungarian government Szijjártó and Dodik Western Balkans — Dodik and Szijjártó in Banja Luka. Source: FB/Szijjártó

Szijjártó, for instance, consistently praises Belarus, Russia, China, and other Eastern nations on his Facebook page, while routinely criticising Western leaders. He has claimed that China is a global peacemaker, while American and EU politicians are pro-war, risking further escalation. This indicates that the Hungarian government views NATO as a threat to global peace, rather than Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Strong ties to Russia harm business

Media reports indicate that the Orbán cabinet’s close ties to Russia were a key factor in the Hungarian company Ganz-Mávag’s failure to acquire the Spanish company Talgo in September.

All these factors suggest a shift in Hungary’s standing within the West. Magyari contends that Hungary is no longer seen as an ally but rather as a foe. The journalist expressed uncertainty regarding whether there are any quiet negotiations about a policy shift from Hungary or further sanctions from the EU. Many speculate that the outcome of Trump’s election in November will significantly influence these issues.

Read also:

PM Orbán in the ‘lion’s den’: can he convince the European Parliament that he wasn’t a traitor? – read more HERE
Counter-protester interrupts start of Viktor Orbán’s press conference in Strasbourg, he asked how much he betrayed Hungary for – video and more in THIS article

Péter Magyari, a journalist for Válasz Online, should not be confused with Péter Magyar, the leader of the Hungarian opposition Tisza Party and currently the most significant challenger to the Orbán regime.

Featured image: Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Freedom Party, Andre Ventura, the leader of the Portuguese Chega party, Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, and PM Viktor Orbán in Pontida last weekend. Photo: MTI

October 9, 2024

PM Orbán’s Fidesz demands immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, says Brussels, Washington are pro-war

When Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned in the summer that the intensity of the war in Ukraine would escalate rapidly, after his round of diplomacy with the Ukrainian, Russian, Chinese and Turkish presidents, events have since proven him right, Fidesz communications director Tamás Menczer said on Facebook.

He said Orbán wrote the warning in a report to the president of the European Council in July.

In the video post late on Tuesday, Menczer added that during meetings with the leaders and the former US president, Donald Trump, it had become clear that the warring parties were not interested in a ceasefire and only an outside party could bring them to the table.

“This is unlikely as the current American and Brussels leadership are pro-war,” he said.

Orbán says President Trump will end the war in Ukraine — Photo: FB/Orbán

So Trump’s role as a peace mediator “is especially important”, he said.

“The only way to establish peace is to negotiate with the Chinese, with the Russians … and with the countries of the global South,” he cited Orbán as saying.

More than 8,000 Ukrainian citizens enter Hungary on Tuesday

Fully 4,660 Ukrainian citizens entered Hungary at the Ukraine-Hungary border on Tuesday, while 3,850 came to the country via Romania, according to the national police headquarters (ORFK). Police issued temporary residence permits valid for 30 days to 41 people, ORFK said on Wednesday.

Read also:

FM Szijjártó: Hungary doesn’t want EU to send military advisers to Ukraine – read more HERE
Hungarian and Ukrainian foreign ministers hold talks in Budapest to strengthen relations

October 9, 2024

The EU cannot keep up with China and the US, says Minister Nagy in Geneva

NAtional Economy Minister Márton Nagy Hungary

National Economy Minister Marton Nagy addressed an event organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF), entitled High-Level Dialogue on Europe in the Age of Intelligent Economics, in Geneva late Monday, his ministry said.

In his speech, Nagy said a new economic order was taking shape in the world, and Europe needed to preserve its independence. To achieve that, he said Europe needed to boost its competitiveness, step up its innovative performance, and accelerate the green transition and the application of artificial intelligence.

While Asian economies, especially China and the United States, quickly adapt to new challenges and support their economies with all means, he said, noting Americans’ Inflation Reduction Act, the European Union has fallen behind in new branches of industry and has been slow to react to latest trends. He added that joint action was necessary as the EU’s competitiveness deteriorated unprecedentedly.

Not only has the EU failed to take steps to address the matter, but some of its measures have contributed to the formation of blocs and could pave the way for an “economic cold war,” he said, pointing to the EU decision to levy punitive tariffs on EVs manufactured in China. He added that five member states—Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Malta—had voted against the measure, while just ten had supported it.

He warned that punitive tariffs would be a “calamity” for the European automotive industry, especially vehicle manufacturing in Germany, and could result in retaliatory measures. He urged caution on the matter and said negotiations needed to continue to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Nagy said Hungary seeks cooperation based on mutual respect with all sides and makes its own decisions about economic partners. That principle is embodied in the policy of economic neutrality, which establishes the conditions for accelerated economic growth.

He said policy extended to neutrality in financing, investments, markets, energy, and technology. As a small, open economy, Hungary is committed to connectivity and wants to strengthen further its role as a “meeting point” for capital and technology from the East and the West, he added.

He said that if EU member states want to boost their competitiveness, they need to be prepared to temporarily run up higher budget deficits. Those bigger fiscal gaps wouldn’t result in imbalances, as the goal was to boost economic growth and strengthen competitiveness.

As we wrote yesterday, Hungary’s retail sales growth is modest, and the trade surplus is decreasing, but the ministry still celebrates; details are HERE.

October 8, 2024