# Hungarian government intervention in Mandiner media

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-government-intervention-in-mandiner-media
> Updated: 2026-09-04T13:08:07.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The Hungarian media outlet Mandiner has experienced significant leadership and structural instability. In late August, editors Dániel Kacsoh, Mátyás Kohán, and Krisztián Lentulai resigned from the editorial staff, citing concerns regarding political pressure and the potential for a government takeover to control content. The departing group expressed intentions to form a new media outlet to maintain a “critically conservative spirit.”

By early September, the situation escalated as Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the termination of all government funding for Mandiner, describing the publication as a “lying propaganda outlet.” Following the dissolution of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) Foundation, ownership of Mandiner transitioned to the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, Gergő Kereki was dismissed as CEO of Mandiner Novum Zrt. amid these broader state asset restructurings.

Finance Minister András Kármán ordered the dismissal of Kereki, stating the move is part of an effort to ensure public funds benefit the economy and citizens rather than being used for propaganda. While Mandiner had received 1.1 billion forints in support from the MCC, the outlet reportedly closed the previous year with a 1.1 billion forint deficit. These changes follow significant staff reductions and the suspension of Mandiner’s print edition in August. Former employees have since announced the launch of a new media outlet named Konfront.

## Claims

- The dismissal was ordered by Finance Minister András Kármán. (disputed by 6 sources)
- All funding for the Mandiner publication is being terminated. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Prime Minister Péter Magyar described Mandiner as a 'lying propaganda outlet'. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The publication had already suspended its print edition in August. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Mandiner's ownership transferred to the Ministry of Finance following the dissolution of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mandiner reported a 1.1 billion forint loss despite receiving 1.1 billion forint in support from MCC. (single source)
- Former Mandiner employees have launched a new outlet called Konfront. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Mandiner funding terminated and CEO dismissed by Hungarian government

The Hungarian government has terminated all funding for Mandiner and dismissed its CEO, Gergő Kereki, following the dissolution of the MCC Foundation and a shift in media ownership to the Ministry of Finance.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mandiner-funding-terminated-and-ceo-dismissed-by-hungarian-government

### 2026-08-24: Mandiner editors depart citing concerns over government control

Editors Dániel Kacsoh, Mátyás Kohán, and Krisztián Lentulai are leaving Mandiner, citing fears of government control. They plan to launch a new conservative media outlet.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mandiner-editors-depart-citing-concerns-over-government-control

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Cite as: Hungarian government intervention in Mandiner media. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-government-intervention-in-mandiner-media