Leslie Mandoki rejects Orbán ties despite receiving billions in state funds

Musician Leslie Mandoki has distanced himself from the Orbán administration, stating he never considered himself an Orbánist despite receiving significant state support. Documents reveal that between 2013 and 2018, Mandoki received approximately 2 billion forints in state funding for various cultural projects. Additionally, records show he received tens of millions of forints in luxury services, such as private airport welcomes and chauffeured cars, at the expense of the Prime Minister’s protocol budget.

Mandoki expressed gratitude for Hungary’s return to the “free Europe” following the change in government and voiced support for Péter Magyar. He emphasized his commitment to freedom and independence, noting that he avoided attending government-aligned events like the Tusványos or MCC gatherings.

In a separate development, Vilmos Vályi-Nagy, a former state secretary in the Orbán government (2010–2014), has come forward as an informant for investigative journalists. Vályi-Nagy, who previously held leadership roles in the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), discussed issues regarding government IT procurement. He highlighted a 2019 finding by OLAF and US regulators that Microsoft engaged in corrupt procurement practices in Hungary, where intermediaries pocketed discounts on software licenses intended for the state.