Hundreds Protest Alleged Corruption at Orbán-Linked Hatvanpuszta Estate in Hungary

Protest Targets Orbán-Linked Estate

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Hatvanpuszta estate in rural Hungary to protest alleged corruption associated with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The estate, located near the villages of Alcsútdoboz and Felcsút, has become a prominent symbol of public discontent over the perceived lavish lifestyle of the ruling elite and systemic corruption within the country.

Hatvanpuszta: A Symbol of Alleged Extravagance

The protest was organized by independent lawmaker and anti-corruption activist Ákos Hadházy, who has publicly described Hatvanpuszta as the 'Orbán family's Versailles.' This characterization stands in contrast to Prime Minister Orbán's own description of the property as merely a 'half-finished farm' or 'his father's farm.' Critics point to the estate's extensive redevelopment and luxurious features as evidence of alleged impropriety. These include:

• Two swimming pools
• Landscaped grounds and gardens
• A sprawling dining hall and library
• Underground tunnels
• A private zoo housing exotic animals such as zebras, antelopes, and buffaloes
• Heated roads to prevent snow accumulation

Hadházy has also raised concerns that Orbán's father, who owns a rock quarry near the estate, has benefited significantly from supplying materials to major state-funded infrastructure projects, with contracts allegedly awarded to companies linked to Orbán's allies.

Broader Corruption Allegations and Economic Context

The demonstration at Hatvanpuszta takes place against a backdrop of widespread allegations of corruption and economic challenges in Hungary. The country has faced persistent inflation, high living costs, and a stagnating economy. International bodies have also raised concerns; the European Union has frozen approximately €19 billion in funds earmarked for Hungary due to suspicions of corruption in public procurement. In 2024, Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index ranked Hungary last among EU member states for corruption transparency, a significant decline from its position in 2010.

Protest Details and Public Sentiment

During the protest, demonstrators carried signs with anti-government slogans, and zebra balloons were prominently displayed, symbolizing the exotic animals kept at the estate and, by extension, the perceived opulence of the ruling elite. The event underscores growing public frustration with the government, particularly as new opposition figures like Péter Magyar have emerged, making their own allegations of corruption and challenging the long-standing political landscape. The government of Prime Minister Orbán has consistently denied these corruption allegations.