Protesters rally at opulent Hungarian estate tied to Viktor Orbán
Hundreds march at Hatvanpuszta as Hungary faces economic strain and a pivotal vote, with critics accusing the government of corruption linked to the estate.
ALCSÚTDOBOZ, Hungary — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Saturday outside Hatvanpuszta, a country estate near Alcsútdoboz and Felcsút that has become a symbol in ongoing allegations of corruption surrounding Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The property, once a model farm built in the 19th century by a member of the Habsburg dynasty, has been expanded in recent years with large buildings, landscaped grounds and new infrastructure.
Protesters carried signs with anti-government slogans and zebra balloons representing the estate's alleged extravagance. Organizers and participants included independent lawmaker Ákos Hadházy, who left Orbán's Fidesz party in 2013 and has described Hatvanpuszta as the government's 'Versailles.' He contended that Orbán's father, owner of a nearby rock quarry, has benefited from state-funded infrastructure projects awarded to allied firms.
Hadházy said the property is a symbol of 'lies of the people in power,' noting the estate features two swimming pools, a sprawling dining hall, a library, underground tunnels and extensive living quarters and guest houses, according to photographs and building plans he has released. The estate's redevelopment has drawn scrutiny as it has progressed over more than five years, with supporters and critics alike watching for indications of how public resources may have flowed into the project.
Security guards and private security lined the gates on Saturday as police monitored the site. Orbán has repeatedly declined to comment on Hatvanpuszta beyond saying it is a 'half-finished farm' and directing questions to his father, the property's owner. He has denied allegations that the estate serves as a personal retreat for he and his inner circle, insisting the site does not reflect his government's priorities.
The Hatvanpuszta dispute has emerged as Hungary contends with persistent inflation, elevated living costs and a stagnating economy ahead of elections scheduled for April. Orbán's main challenger, Péter Magyar, has campaigned on addressing health care, low wages and the high cost of living, while highlighting what he says is widespread corruption tied to Orbán and his party.