Hungary to review tobacco, casino, and highway concessions

Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced a comprehensive review of various long-term concession systems in Hungary, including tobacco, casinos, and the highway network. The government stated that previous concession structures did not serve the public interest and allowed significant portions of revenue to remain in private hands rather than benefiting the state.

As part of this restructuring, the government plans to dissolve the Regulated Activities Supervisory Authority (SZTFH), which previously oversaw tobacco and casino sectors. There are also indications that the Concession Council may be abolished. The review process, which began in June, aims to examine the validity of contracts, tax payments, and the potential for contract terminations.

In addition to tobacco and casinos, the government is reviewing the 35-year highway concessions and the MOHU waste management concession. Officials noted that the waste management review follows concerns regarding contract fulfillment and the risk of significant EU fines due to unmet waste management targets. The administration intends to redirect funds recovered from these reviews toward the healthcare sector.