BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — In a significant move highlighting corruption concerns within Hungary, the United States imposed sanctions on Antal Rogán, a senior government official closely linked to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This rare action against a sitting official in an allied nation is part of ongoing efforts to combat systemic corruption allegedly facilitated by Rogán's influence in the government.

The U.S. (AP News) reported that the Department of the Treasury sanctioned Rogán, deeming him a “primary architect, implementer, and beneficiary” of a corrupt ecosystem that has led to significant financial benefits for himself and his political allies. U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, described this corruption as a systemic issue, stating that “for too long, senior government officials in Hungary have used positions of power to enrich themselves and their families.”

The sanctions, enacted under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, aim to address human rights abuses and corruption worldwide. They prevent Rogán from entering the U.S., freeze any assets he may have under U.S. jurisdiction, and prohibit American companies from engaging in business with him. Pressman noted the undermining of democratic principles in Hungary, asserting that “corruption has significantly worsened since Orbán took office in 2010.”

Rogán is often referred to as Hungary’s “propaganda minister,” overseeing extensive government communication campaigns that have fortified Orbán’s political position since 2010. He also manages Hungary’s intelligence services and has been pivotal in orchestrating schemes that divert resources for personal and political gain, further entrenching corruption within the nation's political framework.

The U.S. sanctions arrive during a period of increasingly strained relations between Washington and Budapest, exacerbated by Orbán's friendly ties with Russia and China and his increasing autocratic governance. Criticism has mounted as the European Union withheld over €1 billion in funding from Hungary, citing the government's failure to tackle corruption and ensure transparency in public procurement.

Officials from Hungary, including Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, have condemned the sanctions, labeling them as “personal revenge” from the outgoing U.S. administration. He expressed optimism for a better relationship post-Trump's inauguration, asserting that the new administration would view Hungary as a friend rather than an adversary.

As the incoming administration contemplates its foreign policy direction, observers like Dorka Takácsy from the Centre for Euro-Atlantic Integration and Democracy emphasized that the sanctions send a clear message to the Orbán regime. She stated, “a Hungarian minister whose activities undermine U.S. strategic interests is most likely not a top priority” for removal, even amid favorable personal relations between Trump and Orbán.

This episode underscores the complexity of U.S.-Hungary relations, where the intertwining of political loyalty and corruption poses ongoing challenges. As the political landscape shifts following the upcoming inauguration, the focus will likely remain on addressing the deep-rooted issues that have enveloped Hungary's governance.

For further details, refer to the article from (The Guardian).