Orbán faces danger from new enemy brandishing a leaked tape
Viktor Orbán is under threat from a new adversary, Péter Magyar, the ex-husband of former Justice Minister Judit Varga, who has disclosed a recording suggesting high-level corruption within Orbán's circle.
Previously, Varga was a prominent figure poised to lead Orbán's Fidesz party in the European election but stepped down suddenly last month. Magyar, once a Fidesz official and Varga's ex-husband, has become a vocal critic of Orbán, culminating in the release of a tape that allegedly implicates members of the government in corrupt activities.
The recording, which Magyar claims was made last year, is said to feature Varga discussing manipulations by Antal Rogán, Orbán's Cabinet chief, in a corruption case involving another government official.
This tape's release has sparked significant attention and debate about the integrity of Hungary's justice system and Orbán's control over political dissent.
In response, a government spokesman, Zoltán Kovács, dismissed Magyar's accusations as harassment toward Varga. For her part, Varga has condemned Magyar's actions, accusing him of blackmail and domestic violence, while asserting that she was coerced into making the statements on the tape.
Magyar, a lawyer with a history of working for the government and Fidesz, has gained prominence as a critic of Orbán following his and Varga's divorce. He has outlined plans to start a new political party and recently led an anti-government rally in Budapest.
Despite his escalating profile and the scandal's impact, the opposition has struggled to challenge Orbán’s stronghold on Hungarian politics. However, Magyar's actions and the controversy surrounding the leaked tape have fueled discussions about potential vulnerabilities within Orbán's administration and the broader system's integrity.