Full Breakdown
Detention of Two Former Hungarian Ministers Sparks Political and Legal Turmoil
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Core Event: Immunity Suspension and Custody of Balázs Hankó and Miklós Seszták
On September 28, the National Assembly voted 139-0 to lift the parliamentary immunity of former culture minister Balázs Hankó and former development minister Miklós Seszták. Hours later both men were taken into custody. Hankó was escorted from the parliament building to the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) headquarters in Budapest and then transferred to a detention facility in Kecskemét. Seszták appeared voluntarily at the Central Chief Prosecutor’s Office before being detained. The arrests occurred amid the government’s anti-corruption drive “Operation Purgatory.”
Background & Context
The detentions follow the Tisza Party’s victory on April 12, which ended sixteen years of Fidesz rule. Earlier, on July 13, the new parliament passed the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law, altering the retirement age for Constitutional Court judges. The prosecution service has been leaderless since August 25, and the parliament rejected President András Baka’s nominee for prosecutor general shortly before the immunity votes. Prime Minister Péter Magyar framed the anti-corruption effort as a shift to “concrete action,” announcing that “two corrupt politicians” would be handed over to investigators.
Data & Statistics
- National Cultural Fund (NKA) case (Hankó): Prosecutors say the fund’s Temporary Board approved 1,079 grants worth HUF 17.3 billion (? €44 million) between September 3 2025 and March 30 2026, allegedly outside statutory purposes.
- Seszták bribery case: Allegations involve HUF 11 billion (? €30 million) in illicit payments linked to state-owned bus operator Volánbusz contracts; another briefing cites HUF 12.6 billion (? €34 million) in total alleged payments.
Official Statements & Responses
- Prosecutors assert that Hankó, as chair of the NKA, participated in a scheme that diverted public funds and that Seszták accepted bribes while serving as development minister from 2014-2018.
- Hankó’s lawyer told prosecutors that the former minister could be located in parliament and would appear if formally summoned; the lawyer later confirmed Hankó’s voluntary appearance at the NAV building.
- Viktor Orbán livestreamed Hankó’s departure on Facebook and labeled the proceedings a “politically ordered ‘show trial’.”
Criticism & Opposition
- János Bóka, Fidesz parliamentary leader, said the party would seek “legal, political, and financial redress” and described the arrests as a “political persecution.”
- András László, Fidesz MEP, claimed the judiciary was acting on Magyar’s personal instructions and that the Prime Minister announced the case on social media before authorities opened it.
On-the-Ground Reports
Footage on Orbán’s Facebook page showed Hankó leaving parliament with his family and several Fidesz MPs, including a farewell to János Bóka, before entering the NAV building. Hír TV later reported his detention. Seszták entered the prosecutor’s office of his own accord, stating he wanted to give evidence and maintain his presumption of innocence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total amount alleged in the Seszták case: one briefing cites HUF 11 billion, another HUF 12.6 billion. No formal charges have been filed, and the investigations remain ongoing. The exact legal basis for the alleged “dual procedural system” in the NKA case has not been publicly detailed.
Timeline
- September 3 2025 – March 30 2026: Period during which the NKA allegedly approved 1,079 grants outside legal parameters.
- April 12: Tisza Party wins parliamentary majority.
- July 13: Parliament passes 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law.
- August 25: Prosecution service left without a confirmed head.
- September 28: National Assembly lifts immunity of Hankó and Seszták (139-0 vote); both are taken into custody later that evening.