Antal Rogan Accused of Misusing His Office
The U.S. Treasury announced on Tuesday that it had imposed sanctions on Antal Rogan, a senior Hungarian government official and a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, for suspected corruption. Rogan, who oversees Orban’s cabinet office and Hungary’s secret services, is accused of leveraging his political position to secure financial benefits for himself and his allies.
Rogan was not immediately available for comment, and a spokesperson for the Hungarian government did not respond to requests for a statement.
U.S. Treasury Criticizes Corruption in Hungary
The sanctions were announced as part of the U.S. government’s broader efforts to combat global corruption. Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, “The United States will not hesitate to hold accountable individuals, like Rogan, who use the power of their office to illicitly enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of their country and their fellow citizens.”
Rogan’s Role in Orban’s Government
Antal Rogan has been a key figure in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s administration for decades. He has played a pivotal role in managing the government’s media operations and election campaigns. His current responsibilities include overseeing Hungary’s secret services, making him a powerful figure in the NATO-member nation.
Rising Tensions Between Hungary and the U.S.
The sanctions come amid growing tensions between Hungary and the United States, exacerbated by Budapest’s close ties with Moscow despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Relations have also been strained during the Biden administration, which has taken a harder stance on corruption and democratic backsliding in Eastern Europe.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been one of Donald Trump’s most vocal supporters in Europe, a relationship that contrasts sharply with his cooler rapport with President Joe Biden. Trump, who is set to be inaugurated as the next U.S. president on January 20, may shape the future of U.S.-Hungary relations.
