Hungarian mayor Gergely Örsi speaks after arrest in major corruption probe

Budapest's 2nd district mayor Gergely Örsi issued his first public statement since being detained in a large‑scale corruption investigation. Speaking through his lawyer on Facebook, Örsi denied the accusations, affirmed he has always acted in accordance with his oath, and criticized the justice system for what he described as a "cornered people" arrest.

The Central Investigative Prosecutor's Office ordered the detention of Örsi, former 2nd district mayor Zsolt Láng, former MP Zsolt Molnár and several other politicians and business figures. Prosecutors allege a businessman paid more than 2 billion forints in bribes to secure favorable park‑maintenance contracts and to influence local government decisions. The case implicates members of the ruling Fidesz party and opposition politicians, highlighting alleged systematic bribery across municipal contracts in Budapest.

The investigation underscores a broader crackdown on alleged misuse of public funds and political patronage within Hungary's local authorities.