EPISODE · Oct 22, 2025 · 29 MIN
How Orbán funnels Hungary’s assets to his allies
from Follow the Money: The Podcast · host Alexander Fanta, Emma du Chatinier, Jesse Pinster
As Europe ramps up its defence spending, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has handed over his country’s entire defence industry to a trusted business ally. Journalist Jesse Pinster uncovers how EU money and state assets are being funnelled into the hands of Orbán’s inner circle — continuing a pattern of cronyism that’s reshaped Hungary over the past decades. Despite growing concerns in Brussels, the EU still struggles to hold one of its most troublesome members to account.
What this episode covers
As Europe ramps up its defence spending, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has handed over his country’s entire defence industry to a trusted business ally. Journalist Jesse Pinster uncovers how EU money and state assets are being funnelled into the hands of Orbán’s inner circle — continuing a pattern of cronyism that’s reshaped Hungary over the past decades. Despite growing concerns in Brussels, the EU still struggles to hold one of its most troublesome members to account.
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How Orbán funnels Hungary’s assets to his allies
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