Hungary’s opposition leader claims Prime Minister Viktor Orban has built a luxurious estate described as “Putin-style” and “shameful,” valued at $15–20 million, amid allegations of corruption and extravagance.
Accusations of Lavish Property Amid Crisis
Opposition Leader Condemns Orban’s Estate
Peter Magyar, leader of the TISZA opposition party, accused Viktor Orban of constructing a “Putin-style, shameful dacha” in social media posts. He stated the property, valued at approximately $15–20 million, has become a symbol of Orban’s corruption, arrogance, and ostentation. Magyar highlighted the irony of the estate’s opulence amid shortages of disinfectants in hospitals and inadequate nutrition for thousands of children. “Shame,” he added.
Published Drone Footage Draws Comparison to Janukovych’s Residence
In August, the Hungarian portal Telex released drone footage of the Hatvanpuszta estate, a 19th-century property owned by Orban’s father since 2011. The video shows four white buildings shaped like the letter “L,” arranged opposite each other, with smaller structures behind them. Gardens, tree-lined alleys, and courtyards are visible, along with a swimming pool. Journalist Szabolcs Panyi noted the residence increasingly resembles the infamous estate of Ukrainian ex-leader Viktor Janukovych in Mezhyhirya.
Zebrafarming Clarified as Agricultural Activity
The footage also captured zebras grazing near the estate. However, Telex clarified these animals belong to Lorinc Mészáros, Orban’s close friend and Hungary’s wealthiest businessman, not to the Orban family. Orban himself has repeatedly emphasized that Hatvanpuszta is not a luxury residence but an agricultural farm owned by his father.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/dolar#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/premier#anchorLink
