The trial concerning corruption linked to parking systems in Zugló and Újbuda continued on Wednesday, featuring the testimonies of defendants.

Among those in the defendants' chair were two former socialist mayors of Zugló, Csaba Tóth and Csaba Horváth, former MSZP member Ferenc Baja, János Jelen, former president of Fidesz in Zugló, and László Büki, a former official in Újbuda.

Also charged is Zoltán Sz., who the prosecution claims was aware that the politicians accepted bribes from entrepreneur Zsolt F., known as "The Grandmaster." The core of the accusation is that in exchange for bribes, companies linked to Zsolt F. secured parking tenders in Zugló and Újbuda in 2017.

Zsolt F. was a close associate of Tibor Bolla, the former CEO of the local transport company BKV, who was dismissed this week by Mayor Gergely Karácsony following the publication of incriminating articles and supporting photographs.

The prosecution alleges that politicians, including Csaba Tóth and Csaba Horváth, received payments from the revenue of the local parking company.

Ferenc Baja and Zsolt Molnár are accused of accepting at least 70 million HUF from Zsolt F. in exchange for overlooking or obstructing actions that would allow companies connected to Zsolt F. to operate the BKV's IT systems at a significant profit.

Zsolt F. previously held positions as IT director at both BKV and CBA.

The prosecution claims that Zsolt F. led an organization established to commit budget fraud.

In response to the charges, Csaba Horváth expressed deep outrage and denied his guilt, labeling the prosecutor's allegations as unfounded, false, and part of a baseless procedure.

He stated that all his wealth was acquired prior to his political career, claiming, "Few politicians can say that in 22 years of public service, they have not enriched themselves with a single asset." Horváth insisted that the allegations would not hold if anachronistically considered, noting that decisions about the parking system were made prior to his tenure as mayor.

He characterized Zsolt F. as an informant for opposition politicians due to his knowledge of certain internal Fidesz matters.

When questioned by the judge regarding meetings with Zsolt F., Horváth remarked, "Well, maybe I was bored." He suggested that specific political motivations might be behind his prosecution.

Csaba Tóth similarly denied his guilt and expressed confusion regarding his indictment based on Zsolt F.'s testimony.

He stated, "As a citizen who still believes in justice, I find the prosecutor's actions surprising." He described the charges as character assassination and lies, arguing that as a local councilor, he lacked the opportunity to influence any issues, particularly since the MSZP was in the minority.

Tamás Jelen, a Fidesz official implicated in the case, also claimed his innocence.

The prosecution contends that he facilitated Zsolt F.'s companies, linked to a billing scheme, in winning parking contracts in both Zugló and Újbuda.

Jelen explained that during the scandal, he was preparing a "badly damaged party group" for elections, and thus deemed communication on topics like parking crucial for Fidesz.

The prosecution has filed charges against seven individuals in total.

During a preparatory hearing in January, the prosecution requested sentences of six years and a fine of 50 million HUF for both Csaba Horváth and Csaba Tóth; four years and 30 million HUF for Tamás Jelen; six years and 30 million HUF for László Büki; four years and 15 million HUF for Ferenc Baja; and two and a half years and 25 million HUF for Zsolt Molnár. A sentence of one year and six months in prison and a 30 million HUF fine was requested for Zoltán Sz. The defendants denied their guilt in January and did not waive their right to trial.

Their lawyers have moved to exclude Zsolt F.'s testimony as evidence.

The trial will continue on Friday with hearings for other defendants.