Hungarian Ministry of Interior concludes investigation into August 20 procurement

The Hungarian Ministry of Interior has released the results of its investigation into the public procurement process for the August 20 state celebrations. The report identified several documentation deficiencies but concluded there is no evidence that the winner of the fireworks contract was predetermined.

The investigation follows allegations that the contract was rigged. Reports suggested that the winning company, Hardrock Kft., had been in contact with individuals linked to the Tisza Party regarding event details weeks before the official procurement process began. The Ministry noted that the sudden shift in contractors was necessitated by the termination of contracts with Lounge Event Kft., which faced financial difficulties that threatened the event's execution.

Opposition MP Ákos Hadházy has criticized the report as an attempt to cover up the issue, raising questions about potential overpricing and whether the state paid twice for certain pyrotechnic materials. While the Ministry highlighted the use of an emergency negotiated procedure due to time constraints, critics continue to demand a more detailed financial audit of the procurement process.