Viktor Orbán proposed stepping down as leader of Hungary’s Fidesz party during a meeting on Tuesday, but the offer was declined following the party’s recent election loss.
Orbán’s Resignation Offer and Party Discussions
Telex portal reported, citing MP Erik Banki, that Viktor Orbán offered to resign as chairman of Fidesz during a meeting, but his offer was not accepted. Banki noted that no personnel decisions were made during the deliberations.
Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch stated that everything planned was discussed during the meeting, and the discussion was “very lively.” He added that talks about the party’s future will continue at the Fidesz congress on June 13th, where a decision will be made regarding the party’s leadership after the election defeat.
Orbán’s Future Role and Parliamentary Absence
Orbán stated that he would remain chairman of Fidesz if the party continued to have confidence in him. He will not take a seat in the new parliament.
Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, Orbán commented on his earlier decision to resign from his parliamentary mandate, stating, “I have never run away, and I will not do so now. Wherever I go, I always move forward.” He announced that he would focus on reorganizing his political camp instead of joining the new parliament.
Election Results and New Government
The Fidesz-KDNP coalition, led by Orbán, lost the parliamentary elections on April 12th to the opposition Tisza party, which secured a constitutional majority of 141 seats in the 199-seat National Assembly. The new government, led by Péter Magyar, is scheduled to be sworn in on May 9th.
Orbán’s Post-Office Benefits
Telex portal reported that upon leaving office as prime minister and resigning from his parliamentary mandate, Orbán will receive over 38 million forints in severance pay, equivalent to over 100,000 euros. He will also retain the right to a car with a driver for 16 years and an office with a two-person secretariat for eight years.
The portal also noted that Orbán will lose his monthly gross salary of 7.58 million forints, or over 20,000 euros, upon leaving office. His latest asset declaration shows savings of just over 5 million forints.
Allegations of Financial Irregularities
Péter Magyar reported that Hungarian tax authorities allegedly blocked money transfers abroad linked to individuals associated with Antal Rogán, one of Orbán’s closest associates. Magyar claims the amounts involved are in the billions of forints, raising suspicions of money laundering.
Reuters noted that Magyar did not provide evidence to support these claims, and the agency was unable to independently verify them. Police referred to a statement indicating an investigation was underway regarding suspected concealment of illegally acquired funds or other assets, without naming any suspects.
