Former Culture Minister Claims NKA Grant Probe Is Politically Driven

In a press statement, former culture and innovation minister Hankó Balázs asserted that the examination of payments made by the Nemzeti Kulturális Alap (NKA) has been framed as a political and cultural-policy process from the outset. He claimed that politicians Magyar Péter, Tarr Zoltán and Nagy Ervin have repeatedly called for his arrest, using his former staff as "political prisoners" to exert pressure. Balázs maintained that the disbursement of the funds was decided by the government, met all statutory requirements, and served the purpose of supporting Hungarian culture.

He noted that the ongoing investigation by the deputy chief prosecutor seeks to suspend his parliamentary immunity on charges of abuse of office linked to the temporary college of the Kiemelt Kulturális Programok (KKPIK). Concluding, he expressed confidence that the truth will overcome the politically motivated false accusations. The case underscores tensions between cultural policy officials and political actors in Hungary.