Hungary Ministry of Education spends 8 million HUF on communication advisor

The Hungarian Ministry of Education and Children has contracted communication consultant Nóra Ágnes Weichinger for a total of 8 million HUF. According to data obtained by the Tűzfalcsoport, the original agreement was for two months at a monthly gross fee of 3 million HUF, but the contract was extended, increasing the total cost.

The consultancy began on July 1, despite the contract being signed on July 30. The advisor's responsibilities included supporting press relations, managing journalist inquiries, preparing ministerial speeches, and monitoring communication risks.

The expenditure comes amid several controversies surrounding Minister Judit Lannert. These include criticisms of her educational policies regarding church-run schools and segregation, as well as public backlash over past interview comments and videos related to her previous office. The effectiveness of the consultancy in managing these risks remains unclear, as the ministry's social media presence only resumed one week after the contract expired.