Hungary August 20 procurement investigation

The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) launched an investigation into the public procurement process for the August 20 state event series. The inquiry focused on suspicions of an anti-competitive agreement, following allegations that the winning firm, Hardrock Kft., may have had advance knowledge of the tender. Former MP Ákos Hadházy and Mi Hazánk leader László Toroczkai raised concerns regarding correspondence that allegedly predated the official call for bids.

The Hungarian Ministry of Interior has since released the results of its investigation. The report identified several documentation deficiencies but concluded there is no evidence that the winner of the fireworks contract was predetermined. 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. The Ministry maintained that an emergency negotiated procedure was used due to time constraints and that Hardrock Kft. was the only valid bidder among three invited companies.

Opposition MP Ákos Hadházy has criticized the report as an attempt to cover up the issue. He has raised further questions regarding potential overpricing and whether the state paid twice for certain pyrotechnic materials. While the Ministry concluded that communications did not prove the winner was decided in advance, critics continue to demand a more detailed financial audit of the procurement process.