Hungary's former culture minister Hankó Balázs allocated 400 million HUF pre‑election

Former Hungarian culture and innovation minister Hankó Balázs used his discretionary authority within the National Cultural Fund to earmark almost 400 million forints for 30 individuals and organisations four days before the parliamentary election. Recipients included singer‑songwriter Kanalas Éva, the Pannon Gypsy Orchestra, a Roman Catholic parish, Planet Studio Kft., the Dévai Saint Francis Foundation, and Patr‑Event Magyarország Kft., among others.

The allocations were made without formal applications and were later withdrawn by the incoming culture minister, Tarr Zoltán, after irregularities were identified. The funds were not disbursed, and several beneficiaries returned money already received.