The Second Reform Era Movement stages demonstration demanding the resignation of Minister Rogán Antal, highlighting corruption concerns following his inclusion on a US sanctions list.
On Sunday afternoon, the Hungarian organization 'Második Reformkor' (Second Reform Era) gathered in Budapest for a demonstration under the title 'Vége van, Tóni!' ('It's Over, Tóni!'), calling for the resignation of Rogán Antal, Minister at the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister.
The protest, aimed at addressing concerns over corruption, took place at March 15 Square and featured speeches by several prominent figures, including Emese Pekárné Farkas, the party's vice-president; Dániel Pitz, a YouTuber; Róbert Puzsér, a publicist; and Gábor Vona, the party's president.
The demonstration followed recent developments wherein Rogán Antal was added to the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list, known as the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).
This list is a tool used by the US government to impose financial sanctions on individuals and entities deemed involved in activities such as corruption, human rights violations, and other illegal activities.
Inclusion on the SDN List prohibits any business dealings with American entities.
Emese Pekárné Farkas highlighted the significance of the US decision, regarding it as a message to Hungary and emphasizing that holding Rogán accountable should be a priority for Hungarian citizens.
Dániel Pitz criticized Rogán not only for alleged financial corruption but also for establishing a propaganda apparatus and so-called 'pseudo-expert organizations,' which he views as more detrimental.
He sarcastically wished Rogán a 'good trip to Russia.'
Róbert Puzsér delivered an ironic speech, taking aim at Rogán’s luxurious fashion choices, while Gábor Vona, the last speaker, referred to Rogán as Hungary's second most influential figure, accusing him of blending 'toxic poisons' within the government's 'witch's cauldron.' Vona also expressed solidarity with a member of the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP), an activist who was reportedly detained and had his home searched by police for painting a sign indicating the direction and distance to the estate of Lázár János, the Minister for Construction and Transportation.
The protest reflects broader tensions in Hungary, where political activism often intersects with contentious legal and ethical challenges.
The demonstration was also streamed live on
Facebook, allowing broader participation beyond those physically present.
Earlier reports by Hungarian media highlighted that the addition of Rogán Antal to the US sanctions list sparked considerable reactions, including comments from David Pressman, the US Ambassador to Hungary, who during a press conference expressed that Rogán's inclusion on the list centres around his alleged role within the corruption seen as systemic in Hungary.
In a related case, members of the MKKP were involved in a series of actions aiming to brand opposing political figures, particularly targeting Lázár János.
These included painting directions to his estate on public roads, an act which the MKKP argues was a show of civil disobedience and critique of public office holders’ use of resources.
While these events unfold, the Hungarian public and international observers continue to watch how the political landscape evolves amid ongoing allegations of corruption and official malfeasance.