Photo credit: www.theguardian.com

US Lifts Sanctions on Key Aide of Hungarian Prime Minister

The United States has lifted sanctions against Antal Rogán, a prominent aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This decision was announced by the State Department, which indicated that maintaining these sanctions did not align with U.S. foreign policy interests.

In a conversation on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated this change to Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the State Department, confirmed that the Secretary informed Szijjártó about Rogán’s removal from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. According to Bruce, the continuation of Rogán’s designation was inconsistent with the current U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Alongside the sanctions discussion, Rubio and Szijjártó also explored ways to bolster U.S.-Hungarian cooperation on key issues, as well as opportunities for enhancing economic ties between the two nations.

Orbán and his political party, Fidesz, have historically been strong allies of former President Donald Trump in Europe. This relationship has influenced Hungary’s standing with the U.S., particularly as the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Rogán on January 7, citing corruption concerns. The Hungarian government has indicated its intent to contest these sanctions should Trump regain the presidency.

Rogán has held a significant position within Orbán’s administration, overseeing his cabinet office since 2015. The U.S. Treasury Department accused him of exacerbating a system in Hungary that favors the distribution of public contracts and resources to supporters of the Fidesz party.

Allegations of corruption and cronyism have been a consistent theme in Orbán’s governance since he ascended to power in 2010. During the Biden administration, relations between Budapest and Washington have soured, partially due to Hungary’s close relations with Moscow amid ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the war in Ukraine.

While Rogán has been a long-term ally of Orbán, previously directing the government’s media strategy and aiding in election campaigns, Orbán has consistently refuted any claims of corrupt practices within his leadership.

Source
www.theguardian.com