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HATC SAMPLE EDITION:
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26th May, 2026
Billions in cultural grants returned amid scandal
Nearly Ft 1.7 billion in cultural grants have been repaid following growing scrutiny over controversial funding decisions by Hungary’s National Cultural Fund.
The issue emerged after a former member of the Fund’s board publicly claimed that around Ft 17 billion had been awarded to “undeserving recipients” for questionable projects, many allegedly serving Fidesz’s political interests.
According to data obtained by Index, 49 applicants have so far returned funds amounting to roughly 10% of the disputed grants.
Among them was singer Kis Grófo, who repaid Ft 5 million originally requested for songwriting projects.
The company Városliget returned the largest amount, repaying Ft 1.25 billion linked to a photography museum programme.
Several grants reportedly funded vaguely defined “community-building” or cultural initiatives. Recipients included foundations, associations, and private companies receiving tens of millions of forints each.
The scandal grew further after reports that violinist Zoltán Mága had requested Ft 500 million to support pro-Fidesz campaign efforts.
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Sources regularly consulted, with abbreviations used in text: Népszabadság (N); Magyar Hírlap (MH); Világgazdaság (VG); Napi Gazdaság (NG); Magyar Nemzet (MN); Népszava (Nsz); Kossuth Rádió news (KR); nightly TV news (TV).
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