Hungary's Digital Democracy Agency sees massive staff exodus amid campaign funding probe

During the recent election campaign, more than a hundred people worked for the Digital Democracy Development Agency (DDÜ), which runs the Digital Civil Circles supporting the ruling Fidesz party. Following the campaign, the staff count fell sharply; of the roughly 120 employees, 86 were dismissed and only a handful remain at related firms, with the National Resistance Movement's company reduced to just two workers.

The agency, which reported 5.6 billion forints in revenue for 2025, has not disclosed the sources of its funding. Authorities have promised an investigation into its finances, amid allegations that billions were spent to amplify Fidesz messages, including controversial online ads featuring political figures. The agency told RTL it has not cut staff but is continuing its work with volunteers, saying “they are continuing the strengthening of civil communities with even more members and nearly 5,000 volunteers have applied.”