Top Hungarian Official Sanctioned by US for Alleged Corruption

The United States on Tuesday sanctioned a senior Hungarian government official and close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for alleged corruption.

Why It Matters

The sanctioned official, Antal Rogán, serves as the minister in charge of Orbán’s cabinet office.

Known for orchestrating extensive government communication campaigns credited with cementing Orbán’s grip on power since 2010, Rogán has also wielded influence over Hungary’s secret services and has been called the “propaganda minister” by critics.

The sanctions against Rogán reflect broader U.S. concerns about Hungary’s trajectory under Orbán, who has faced criticism for eroding democratic principles while aligning with Russia and China.

What To Know

The U.S. Department of the Treasury accuses Rogán of leveraging his public office to broker lucrative deals favoring government-aligned business interests, a key factor in ongoing European Union penalties that have frozen billions in funding over corruption concerns.

The move comes as part of a U.S. executive order enforcing the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, a powerful tool targeting corruption and human rights abuses globally.

The U.S. has intensified scrutiny of Hungary’s alignment with Moscow, as seen by sanctions imposed in 2023 on the International Investment Bank. The bank, which relocated its headquarters to Budapest from Moscow, was described as a hub for Russian espionage within the EU and NATO.

In response, Hungary withdrew its stake from the bank, marking a rare concession in its complex balancing act between East and West.

Mounting Political Pressure In Hungary

Rogán’s troubles have been compounded by challenges from Péter Magyar, a rising political rival who has directly accused him of orchestrating smear campaigns and deploying surveillance against opponents.

In March, Magyar released an explosive audio recording purporting to implicate Rogán and other officials in efforts to cover up corruption by tampering with evidence.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman has faced criticism from Orbán’s government, which accuses him of attempting to interfere in Hungary’s internal affairs.

What People Are Saying

Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Treasury said in a statement: The U.S. “will not hesitate to hold accountable individuals, like Rogán, who use the power of their office to illicitly enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of their country and their fellow citizens.”

What Happens Next

While the sanctions against Rogán add another layer to the increasingly fraught relationship between the U.S. and Hungary, Orbán, a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, said he remains optimistic about improved relations under the incoming U.S. administration.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.