(Washington) – The United States has imposed sanctions on Hungarian Minister Antal Rogan, marking the first time members of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s inner circle have faced such measures. The U.S. State Department accused Rogan of being involved in corruption, specifically in orchestrating schemes to gain control of Hungary’s key economic sectors while in various government roles.
The U.S. believes Rogan has played a significant part in shaping Hungary’s political landscape, where his activities have allegedly enriched himself and his political party at the expense of the Hungarian public. A statement from the State Department described his actions as representative of a broader environment of corruption in Hungary, where key state institutions have been “captured by oligarchs and undemocratic actors.”
The sanctions are designed to restrict Rogan’s ability to utilize the U.S. financial system to further his alleged corrupt activities. They include a ban on his entry into the United States, as well as the freezing of any assets he holds within U.S. jurisdiction, if applicable.
Rogan becomes the first high-ranking Hungarian official to face U.S. sanctions. The decision highlights ongoing concerns in the U.S. over corruption and undemocratic practices within Hungary’s government under Orbán’s leadership. The sanctions also come amid Orbán’s controversial proposal to continue Russian gas transit through Ukraine, which has further strained Hungary’s relations with the U.S. and European allies.
