Government accuses Sovereignty Protection Office leaders of lavish public-fund spending
The government says senior officials of the Sovereignty Protection Office misused a VIP bank card funded by the state for costly personal expenses.
A government release alleges that the director and two deputy directors of the Sovereignty Protection Office exploited a state-financed VIP bank card for numerous private expenditures, including costly restaurant bills, a private boat charter on Lake Balaton and other personal items. The office, which operated with a budget of 6.2 billion forints and about 120 staff in 2025, paid its top managers salaries exceeding 5 million forints per month, plus clothing allowances, annual SZÉP-card benefits and a Skoda Superb for mixed use.
Between May 2024 and April 2026 the three officials used the VIP card in 183 instances, yet the Prime Minister’s Office found no records of required guest or purpose details. One official logged 111 transactions, averaging two restaurant visits per one outlet, while the deputies spent 1.5 million and 862 thousand forints respectively, buying items such as Italian guidebooks. The government has filed a complaint over the alleged misuse and says further action will be taken.
Why it matters
It highlights potential misuse of public funds by high-level officials, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
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