Hungary investigates Orban-era corruption and museum status

The Hungarian government, led by Peter Magyar, has launched extensive audits to investigate the alleged misappropriation of public funds during Viktor Orban’s sixteen-year rule. Since taking power in May, the administration has initiated investigations into ministries and state-owned enterprises. To date, 22 criminal cases involving an estimated 5.8 billion euros have been referred to investigators.

Specific investigations include the inflated purchase of 12,000 plastic toy motorcycles for 40 euros each and a 1.5 billion euro loan to Egyptian railways under a Hungarian-Russian partnership that left Hungary bearing the sole risk. To manage these efforts, the government established the NVVH agency, which has the authority to conduct investigations and place companies under surveillance to protect public assets.

In a parallel move regarding cultural institutions, the Ministry of Culture has temporarily closed the House of Terror museum in Budapest. The director, Maria Schmidt—a close advisor to former Prime Minister Orban—was dismissed as the government seeks to re-examine the museum's content and legal status. While officials state the closure is for administrative and legal clarification, critics express concern regarding potential historical revisionism.