A former Hungarian government insider turned oppositionist has released an audio recording that he claims is evidence of top officials conspiring to cover up corruption. This revelation marks the latest development in a scandal that has shaken Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political dominance in Hungary.
The scandal first came to light in early February when it was revealed that the president had pardoned a man who had covered up a series of child sexual abuse cases at a state-run orphanage. This revelation sparked the largest protests the country has seen in years, leading to the resignation of close Orbán allies, including the president and Justice Minister.
The latest allegations stem from the ex-husband of the former Justice Minister, who has turned whistleblower to expose the extent of the corruption scandal. He published a recording featuring the former minister's voice discussing the removal of evidence from court records to conceal corrupt business dealings involving government officials.
The whistleblower handed the recording to the Public Prosecutor's Office in Budapest as evidence. In response, the former minister accused her ex-husband of domestic violence and claimed that she had made the statements under duress.
The whistleblower, once a senior member of Orbán’s political circle, gained prominence after accusing the government of widespread corruption and smear campaigns against its opponents. He has announced plans to form a new political party to challenge Orbán's long-standing grip on power.
The scandal has triggered a political crisis within Orbán’s government, which has been in power since 2010. The whistleblower's followers hope that his insider perspective can disrupt Hungary’s perceived autocratic political system.
Despite government dismissal of the whistleblower as an opportunist seeking personal gain, his rise has intensified political challenges for Orbán, leading to resignations within the government and economic turmoil. The whistleblower has criticized official corruption in Hungary, particularly targeting a close Orbán ally responsible for government communications and secret services.
The former Justice Minister resigned in February amid the scandal involving the presidential pardon for a convicted accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.
