Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Sunday, May 17, that at least 15 bags of shredded documents and Fidesz party campaign materials were recovered from the Ministry of Construction and Transport.
Discovery of Campaign Materials
At least 15 bags containing shredded documents and campaign materials belonging to former minister Janos Lazar and the Fidesz party were uncovered at the Ministry of Construction and Transport headquarters. The cache included leaflets and banners with the slogan “Fidesz, a safe choice,” Hungarian flags, “Lazar Info” promotional items, and holiday cards featuring the former minister’s family.
Demands for an Official Investigation
Magyar stated that the discovery raises suspicions of potential crimes, including illegal party financing. He has called for an investigation into whether state resources or public sector employees were utilized to produce, store, or distribute Fidesz campaign materials. Magyar emphasized that both the State Audit Office and the police should conduct thorough inquiries into who authorized these activities.
Allegations of Luxury Spending at the Supreme Court
On Sunday, Magyar demanded the immediate resignation of Supreme Court President Andras Zs. Varga, labeling him a political appointee living in luxury at the public’s expense. Magyar alleged that Varga, who was appointed by Viktor Orban despite having no experience as a regular judge, has systematically intimidated colleagues.
Controversial Renovation Projects
Magyar shared photographs of the Supreme Court building, highlighting perceived excessive expenditures such as a gilded ceiling in the president’s office, marble bathroom surfaces, a judge’s club with a bar, a glass-roofed winter garden, and new terraces overlooking the Hungarian Parliament. He asserted that these upgrades were financed secretly with public funds.
Ultimatum for Officials Appointed Under Orban
The Supreme Court responded by stating the renovation project was approved by previous management, not the current administration. On election night, April 12, Magyar issued an ultimatum for senior officials and judges appointed under Viktor Orban, including the president and the head of the Constitutional Court, to resign by May 31.