Will Hungarian castles be privatised? Not everybody likes it

László Lóránt Keresztes, a lawmaker of opposition LMP, on Tuesday said he has asked the Constitutional Court to review a new law on the privatisation of state-owned castles and historic stately homes.

The amendment submitted by Janos Lazar, the construction and transport minister, was passed by the deputies of allied ruling Fidesz and Christian Democrats in mid-June, László Lóránt Keresztes noted in a video post on Facebook.

“Lazar is seeking to put 47 protected stately homes with adjoining buildings, riding halls and parks into the private hands of companies and various private individuals under his own decision as early as August,” he said, adding that the list of properties included the Nadasdy Castle of Sarvar, the Festecsics Mansion of Deg and the Bishop’s Palace of Sumeg.

The LMP politician called it “utterly unacceptable” that various companies or private individuals should become the owners of protected buildings of historic significance which are currently owned by the Hungarian people and the Hungarian state. “Those who want to execute such a plan are abusing their power and robbing the nation,” he said.

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