Hungarian government moves to end 35-year highway concession linked to Mészáros and Szijj
Prime Minister Magyar announced the termination of a 35-year motorway concession awarded to MKIF Zrt., a company tied to Mészáros Lőrinc and Szijj László.
Hungary’s government has resolved to terminate the 35-year motorway concession that was awarded to MKIF Zrt. in 2022. The company is linked to the business interests of Mészáros Lőrinc and Szijj László, and the deal has been criticized as a vehicle for diverting state money. Prime Minister Magyar communicated the decision on Friday morning, promising a detailed announcement at 10 a.m. together with Vitézy Dávid.
The original contract covered 1,237 km of high-speed roads, later increased to 1,670 km, including sections such as the M6 stretch near Érd and a short segment connected to the M8 bridge at Dunaújváros. Earlier in September, Magyar indicated that this concession would be the next to be dismantled. The move follows a review of previous government decisions that granted the concession to the Mészáros-Szijj-linked firm.
Why it matters
Ending the concession could reshape Hungary’s infrastructure management and affect billions in public-sector contracts.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the government's decision to end the 35-year highway concession and describe it as a corrupt scheme that diverted public funds, using similar language about critics and a public-fund drain.
LEFT
Frames the concession as a corrupt vehicle that diverted state money, highlighting its links to Mészáros Lőrinc and Szijj László.
RIGHT
Frames the concession as a scheme that siphoned billions to allies, emphasizing a massive public-fund drain that officials aim to stop.
The left emphasises
- deal has been criticized as a vehicle for diverting state money
- company linked to the business interests of Mészáros Lőrinc and Szijj László
- government review of previous concession decisions
The right emphasises
- critics say the concession has siphoned billions of forints to allies
- officials describe it as a massive public-fund drain
- move aims to halt the drain
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