US sanctions Viktor Orban's aide amid corruption crackdown
The US administration announced on Tuesday that it would sanction Antal Rogan, the head of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's office, for corruption. According to the State Department, the case of the prime minister's close associate exemplifies "state capture by oligarchs and undemocratic actors."
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that during his time as a government official, including as a minister overseeing Orban's office, Rogan was involved in efforts to dominate strategic sectors of Hungary's economy. Miller emphasized that Minister Rogan was instrumental in establishing a system that served his interests and those of his party to the detriment of the Hungarian people.
The spokesperson highlighted that Rogan's actions represent a broader atmosphere of impunity in Hungary, where oligarchs and undemocratic actors have taken over key state institutions.
The current US administration's imposed sanctions are another move against Hungarian officials. However, Rogan is the closest official to the Hungarian prime minister who will be affected by the restrictions. Besides being the head of the prime minister's office, he controls several other state agencies.
The sanctions were imposed under the so-called Global Magnitsky Act, which allows for punishment for corruption and human rights violations. Tuesday's action resulted in a travel ban and freezing all of Rogan's assets in the US and American banks.
"Main architect of the corruption system"
At a press conference on Tuesday at 15:00 GMT, outgoing US Ambassador to Budapest, David Pressman, described Rogan as the central figure behind the corruption system, serving as its architect, executor, and primary beneficiary. He accused the minister of using his position to enrich himself and individuals loyal to his party who hold various influential roles.
According to Pressman, high-ranking Hungarian government officials have used their positions of authority for too long to enrich themselves and their families, transferring significant funds to private accounts.
In a statement issued by the US Treasury Department, it was noted that due to the lack of action on corruption in the public procurement system, Hungary recently lost €870 million in funds from the European Union.
