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3 clusters · 13 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Hungarian government review of SZTFH regulatory authority

Overview

The Hungarian government has initiated a process to potentially dissolve the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), an independent body overseeing sectors such as gambling, tobacco retail, mining, and concession contracts. Justice Minister Márta Görög has been tasked with submitting a report by September 30 regarding the legal framework for dissolving the authority and transferring its duties to government-controlled entities.

The move follows controversy regarding a July decision by the SZTFH to extend a casino concession in Sopron until 2061 without a public tender. Prime Minister Péter Magyar criticized the agency, stating it “served private interests, not public interests” and lacked independence.

In addition to the potential dissolution of the SZTFH and the abolition of the Concession Council, Prime Minister Magyar has announced a broader, comprehensive review of various long-term concession systems. This review, which began in June, includes tobacco, casinos, the 35-year highway network, and the MOHU waste management concession. The government stated that previous structures allowed significant revenue to remain in private hands rather than benefiting the state.

Regarding waste management, officials noted concerns over contract fulfillment and the risk of significant EU fines. The administration intends to redirect funds recovered from these restructuring efforts toward the healthcare sector.

Entities

Márta Görög · Hungary · Peter Magyar · Hungarian government · Regulatory Authority for Regulated Activities

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Hungary to review tobacco, casino, and highway concessions

    Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced a review of tobacco, casino, and highway concessions in Hungary to reclaim public funds and restructure oversight, including the dissolution of the SZTFH.

  2. 7 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Hungary moves to abolish regulator following controversial casino deal

    Hungary's government plans to abolish the SZTFH regulator following a controversial 35-year casino deal extension made without a public tender.

  3. 10 days ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Hungary reviews potential dissolution of SZTFH regulatory authority

    The Hungarian government is reviewing the potential dissolution of the Regulatory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), which oversees gambling, tobacco, and mining sectors.

Sources

blikk.hu · casinoguardian.co.uk · detlionblood32.wordpress.com · economx.hu · egriugyek.hu · europesays.com · g7.hu · gamblingnews.com · kiskegyed.hu · klubradio.hu · kuruc.info · news.bitcoin.com · yagg.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history