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Viral Video From Orbán Family Estate Intensifies Scrutiny in Hungary

The viral footage refocuses attention on how the estate was financed under a government facing an EU funding freeze.

Overview

  • Opposition MP Ákos Hadházy entered the Hatvanpuszta property without explicit permission and posted video showing manicured gardens, two pools and a large dining–living area, drawing hundreds of thousands of views.
  • Viktor Orbán denies owning the site and characterizes it as an agricultural operation, though past reporting has said he uses the estate near Felcsút as a private retreat.
  • Győző Orbán says he purchased the land in 2011 to recreate a 19th‑century model farm, and a senior official cited heritage restoration as the rationale for the renovation.
  • The imagery prompted a wave of online accusations of corruption, and opposition leader Péter Magyar publicly asked where the money for the refurbishment came from.
  • The dispute unfolds as the European Union continues to freeze roughly €19 billion in payments to Hungary over rule‑of‑law and corruption concerns.