Hungary's opposition Fidesz party has accused Prime Minister Peter Magyar's government of conducting a fictitious public tender in organising the national Saint Stephen's Day festivities, with the winner predetermined in advance.
According to a statement from the Fidesz party, headed by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, event management company Hardrock Kft, linked to the ruling Tisza party, began preparations for the 20 August celebrations even before the government terminated the original contract. "From this it is clear that the Tisza government conducted a fictitious public tender, especially since the details were predetermined before announcing the winner," the statement said.
Fidesz noted that the ruling Tisza party had previously awarded the contract to its own company using state budget funding. The opposition party said it would file a complaint with the government procurement office. The contract with Hardrock company to organise the Saint Stephen's Day celebrations was worth 10.7 million euros, according to available information.
The Tisza party committed during the election campaign to fighting widespread corruption, including establishing a special unit to recover and protect assets.
