Former minister Lázár János fined and ordered to dismantle forest facilities

Lázár János posted that a forestry agency has levied a monetary penalty against him and ordered the removal of various installations in his privately owned forest. He explained that a decade ago he built roads, a timber storage building, warehouses and an office, and was told by officials at the time that permits were unnecessary because the structures served forest management. While admitting he failed to secure the required permits, he emphasized that the work was financed from his own resources, received no external subsidies, and did not damage nature.

He also noted that a dried fish pond was converted to arable land with trees planted, and a tennis court was added on vacant ground with his consent. The authority launched an official case in May 2026, and Lázár argues that the agency has not acted fairly despite his attempts to regularize the situation. He recently left politics and intends to focus on managing his property, refusing to back down from the fine and demolition order.