U.S. Sanctions Top Hungarian Official Over Corruption Allegations

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned Antal Rogán, a key member of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration, citing systematic corruption allegations. This move highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Hungary and has sparked a strong reaction from the Hungarian government.

*Antal Rogán, the only Hungarian citizen on the financial sanctions list, has headed the prime minister’s office since 2015. | Attila Kisbenedek/AFP via Getty Images*

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Hungarian Cabinet Official

The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against Antal Rogán, head of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Cabinet office. Rogán, a key figure in Orbán’s administration since 2015, is accused of orchestrating widespread corruption, including awarding public contracts to cronies loyal to Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.

Details of the Sanctions

The sanctions block all of Rogán’s assets in the United States and prohibit U.S. citizens from conducting business with him. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith stated that Rogán has used his position to enrich himself and his allies at the expense of the Hungarian people.

Hungarian Government’s Response

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the sanctions as “personal revenge” by the outgoing Biden administration. Rogán’s office echoed this sentiment, asserting that they would pursue legal action after the inauguration of the new U.S. president on January 20.

Allegations Against Rogán

The U.S. accuses Rogán of leading a system that distributes public resources to allies in strategic sectors of Hungary’s economy. Rogán oversees the Hungarian government’s IT services, communications department, and domestic intelligence services, often referred to as the administration’s propaganda arm.

Context and Political Implications

The sanctions come just weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president. While Trump has maintained a cordial relationship with Orbán, the Orbán government views the Biden administration and its envoy in Hungary as adversaries.

This move underscores increasing U.S.-Hungary tensions amid concerns about democratic backsliding and corruption within Orbán’s government. The decision has implications for Hungary’s global reputation and its relationship with Western allies.

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