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Hungary ventilator procurement corruption investigation

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2026-09-02 04:57 UTC → 2026-09-05 16:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The investigation into Hungary’s 300 billion forint (approximately 827 million euro) ventilator procurement from China has expanded to include allegations of administrative misconduct and the manipulation of safety data. While previous reports established that a 2020 military physician assessment categorized 7,874 units as requiring “serious compromise” or being “not recommended for use at all,” new findings suggest these classifications were later arbitrarily altered within the Ministry. Documents indicate that machines originally deemed unsuitable or problematic were reclassified as “good,” facilitating their distribution to hospitals and social institutions despite technical flaws like malfunctioning air volume controls and loose components that posed life-threatening risks. Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has announced a formal report regarding these procurements, citing suspicions of a breach of trust that caused significant financial loss. The investigation continues to address the recovery of digital documentation that was allegedly deleted, as well as the role of previous leadership, including former Minister Péter Szijjártó, who the ministry alleges were aware of these quality issues upon delivery. ~~Former State Secretary Tamás Menczer~~ In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Péter Takács, a Fidesz health politician and former acting director of Szent János Hospital, has ~~previously denied any misconduct, maintaining that medical professionals reviewed~~ defended the government’s pandemic-era procurement. Speaking on a Fidesz faction podcast, Takács addressed claims regarding wasted funds and defended the purchase of non-invasive ventilation machines. He argued that despite criticisms comparing them to simple snoring prevention devices, such equipment is essential for ~~suitability.~~ maintaining lung function and has saved thousands of lives.

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