Hungary’s current Foreign Minister, Anita Orban, announced on Tuesday that she has filed a criminal complaint against her predecessor, Peter Szijjarto, accusing him and his team of frequently utilizing costly private flights over the past four years, according to reports from Reuters.
This complaint is part of the new government’s anti-corruption campaign. Orban’s allegations come amidst a series of actions aimed at scrutinizing past government practices.
Former prime minister Viktor Orban has denied the corruption allegations. His spokesperson, Bertalan Havasi, stated via email to Reuters that Szijjarto’s flights fully complied with relevant government regulations.
“In recent years, the external commitments of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been organized with exemplary efficiency,” Havasi remarked. “Thus, Peter Szijjarto deserves praise, not politically motivated attacks,” he added.
Costs Allegedly Increased by Nearly €11 Million, Claims Anita Orban
In a video posted on Facebook, Anita Orban accused Szijjarto and his team of disregarding the need for cost-saving measures when planning travel.
“Starting in 2022, they systematically shifted to using private charter flights or military aircraft for Szijjarto’s travels and his delegation,” she stated.
According to the current minister, documents and investigations revealed that from 2022 to 2026, these trips cost, on average, nearly six times more—approximately 4 billion Hungarian forints (about €10.9 million) more—compared to what scheduled business-class flights would have cost.
“The findings raise suspicions regarding the mismanagement of funds, which led to significant losses, and also implicate the former leadership of the ministry,” she concluded.
