Follow the Money: The Podcast How Orbán funnels Hungary’s assets to his allies
8 snips
Oct 22, 2025 Jesse Pinster, an investigative journalist focused on Hungarian politics, delves into Viktor Orbán's controversial dealings. He reveals how EU funds and state assets are funneled to Orbán’s cronies, highlighting the troubling trend of cronyism shaping Hungary. Jesse discusses the privatization of the defense industry to allies, the opacity that conceals favoritism, and EU struggles to enforce compliance. He also underscores the timing of these asset transfers, especially ahead of elections, which accelerates the pattern of political favoritism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
State Assets Shifted To Political Allies
- Viktor Orbán has systematically redirected state assets and EU funds to allies, creating a durable patronage network.
- This process includes transferring public universities and big corporate shares into private foundations run by political insiders.
Tax Breaks Funneled To Pro-Orbán Football
- In 2010 Hungary allowed big tax deductions for businesses that funded football clubs close to Orbán.
- That redirected public money into politically connected clubs instead of public services.
Rule-Of-Law Conditionality Is Limited
- The EU introduced a rule-of-law conditionality tied to funding after concerns over Hungary's media and university captures.
- Implementation remains politically fraught and reversible depending on leadership choices in Brussels.