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Political crisis deepens over NKA funding investigation

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2026-11-04 17:46 UTC → 2026-11-04 20:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The investigation into the National Cultural Fund (NKA) in Hungary has evolved into a significant political crisis following the detention of former Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó and former state secretary Veronika Varga-Bajusz. Prosecutors allege the misappropriation of over 17 billion forints, claiming funds were distributed to Fidesz-linked artists and political candidates to cover campaign costs for the 2026 parliamentary elections and serve personal interests. Before his detention, Hankó defended the legality of the NKA funding, asserting that the distribution of lottery revenues was transparent and compliant with regulations. However, investigators allege that between September 2025 and March 2026, Hankó directed 1,079 instances of fund usage that deviated from legal requirements, causing an estimated 17.3 billion forint loss. Specific allegations include bypassing professional scrutiny through direct ministerial decisions and awarding massive grants to companies with ties to the ruling party. On October 26, 2026, the Kecskemét District Court extended the detention of both Hankó and Varga-Bajusz until February 1, 2027, following a motion by the Bács-Kiskun County Chief Prosecutor's Office regarding suspicions of breach of trust. The Fidesz party has criticized the extension, labeling it a “clearly political decision”. Veronika Varga-Bajusz, accused of being an accessory to the crime, has appealed the detention extension. Her lawyer, Dávid Balázs, argues the decision lacks new specific facts and relies on repetitive arguments regarding the risk of flight or evidence tampering. The defense also noted that Varga-Bajusz was recently transferred from a detention center in Kecskemét to a facility in Kiskunhalas, which the lawyer suggests may involve worse conditions. 2027. On November 4, 2026, the Kecskemét Court of Appeals upheld the detention of Balázs Bús, the former vice president of the NKA, until December 25. The court determined this extension was necessary to prevent the obstruction of evidence. Other individuals previously ordered into detention include former college dean Attila Ughy and Anikó Krucsainé Herter, director general of the National Cultural Support Management. In response to the ongoing proceedings, Hankó’s defense attorney, Gábor M. Tóth, criticized the prosecution for allegedly attempting to publicly humiliate the former minister by disclosing private requests made while in custody, such as requests for a hairdresser and a clergyman.

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