US Imposes Sanctions on Hungarian Top Official Antal Rogán Over Corruption Allegations

The United States has sanctioned Antal Rogán, a senior figure in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration, for his alleged role in corruption schemes, according to a statement from the US Department of State on Tuesday. Rogán, known as one of Orbán’s closest allies, is accused of manipulating Hungary’s economic framework to benefit himself and his party.

Antal Rogán, who serves as Minister in Charge of the Cabinet Office, oversees government communications and civilian intelligence. He has held influential positions, including parliamentary group leader of the ruling Fidesz party and mayor of the Belváros-Lipótváros district in Budapest.

The US Department of State alleges that Rogán orchestrated activities that consolidated control over strategic sectors of the economy, undermining Hungary’s transparency and governance. The statement emphasized the importance of addressing corruption, stating, “A more transparent Hungary will foster stronger transatlantic relations and a more prosperous Europe.”

The sanctions place Rogán on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) Global Magnitsky Act list, targeting individuals involved in corruption and human rights abuses globally.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó criticized the US move, calling it a politically motivated act by outgoing US Ambassador David Pressman. In a strongly worded Facebook post, Szijjártó said, “This decision is a personal vendetta orchestrated by an ambassador who failed in his role and is now leaving in disgrace.”

Szijjártó expressed hope for improved relations with the incoming US administration, which he described as more likely to view Hungary as a partner rather than an adversary.

The sanctions come amid growing international scrutiny of Hungary’s governance under Orbán, whose government has faced repeated allegations of democratic backsliding and corruption. The move is expected to add strain to US-Hungary relations, particularly as Washington continues to advocate for greater transparency and accountability within the Hungarian government.

As of now, neither Rogán nor the Hungarian government has issued a direct response to the specific allegations outlined by the US.