Hungary’s anti-corruption push cuts petty graft but deepens political secrecy, says expert

In a recent EUfória podcast, Fazekas Mihály highlighted a paradox in Hungary’s anti-corruption record: routine bribes to police and doctors have declined measurably, suggesting some progress. By contrast, systemic political corruption, particularly in public-contract awards and legislative oversight, has worsened, with over 3,000 confidential government orders issued in the last 16 years. Fazekas argues that Hungary’s distinct problem lies in the extreme centralisation of power within the Fidesz party, where Orbán Viktor is believed to orchestrate major deals and direct oligarchic money flows.

This model, he says, surpasses similar patterns seen in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia or Italy in scope and duration. He also notes that higher salaries for officials, such as mayors, could improve procurement oversight and reduce costs. The discussion touched on the 35-year highway concession, the role of the Integritás Hatóság, and the controversy surrounding Szijjártó Péter’s private travel.