From EUobserver · · 1m 10s
Orbán's Propaganda Funds
Hungarian billionaire Lőrinc Mészáros channelled public money into Orbán's propaganda network.
In brief
Hungarian billionaire Lőrinc Mészáros channelled public money into Orbán's propaganda network. V-Híd, a Mészáros company, paid billions in forints to influencers for Orbán's propaganda using public procurement funds. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Hungary's New Government
More than a year ago, EUobserver launched a weekly briefing on Hungary's election campaign after Viktor Orbán's government was removed in April.
Mészáros and Propaganda
Direkt36 revealed links between Lőrinc Mészáros's companies and Orbán-era propaganda through internal documents from V-Híd.
V-Híd's Public Funds
V-Híd paid billions in forints between 2022 and 2026 to Megafon influencers using public procurement contracts from Fidesz governments.
Propaganda Funding
V-Híd sent 3 billion forints to Megafon influencers in 2024 alone, using revenue from public procurement contracts.
Luxury Perks
V-Híd spent 62 million forints on private jet trips for employees to a château in France, including €500 on cigars.
Hankó Case
Culture minister Balázs Hankó was arrested for allegedly misusing public funds for Fidesz campaign artists.
Orbán's Defense
Orbán claimed Hankó was the only culture minister since 2010 who did not support 'liberals in Budapest'.
At a glance
V-Híd, a Mészáros company, paid billions in forints to influencers for Orbán's propaganda using public procurement funds.
