Fidesz Candidate Radics Faces Scrutiny Over Foundation Funding and Allegations of Misuse
A report detailing significant state funding received by a foundation linked to Béla Radics, a parliamentary candidate for Fidesz-KDNP, has ignited a political firestorm in Budapest’s 6th electoral district. The controversy centers on the Foundation for Traditions, created by Radics, which received nearly 43 million Hungarian Forints (HUF) in public funds, while maintaining no physical office or online presence.
The allegations surfaced following a weekend report by RTL News, prompting a swift and combative response from Radics, who is running for office in Zugló. The candidate dismissed the report as an “anemic revelation,” and has vehemently defended his foundation’s activities.
Funding Sources and Program Focus
According to the RTL report, the Foundation for Traditions secured funding from multiple government sources, including:
- 24.4 million HUF from the domestic resources of the Erasmus+ program.
- 13.8 million HUF from Gábor Bethlen Fund Management.
- 3 million HUF from the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office.
- 1.7 million HUF from the minister responsible for culture and innovation.
Notably, 700,000 HUF was allocated to a program focused on digital detoxification. Radics asserted in a video message that the funds were used to implement youth and cultural programs, stating, “I really hope that it is not a sin to implement youth and cultural programs instead of renting an office.” He further claimed that programs for young people were funded by resources received from various state entities.
Contradictory Accounts and Political Fallout
Radics claims RTL News did not contact him for comment prior to publishing the report, a claim disputed by the news organization, which states it attempted to reach him. The situation escalated further when Péter Magyar, a prominent political figure, publicly accused Radics of embezzling tens of millions of forints. Magyar called for Radics’ immediate suspension from the Capital Assembly and withdrawal from the parliamentary race.
Radics responded to Magyar’s accusations with a defiant video statement, dismissing them as baseless attacks. “Huh, it’s really full of pants here! Péter Magyar and the younger Velkey get into me personally in a video,” he said, framing the criticism as evidence of his leading position in Zugló and his confidence in securing victory in the constituency.
In a surprising turn, Radics also stated, “Before you investigate this tomorrow, I’ll tell you in advance that I’m a gypsy.” The context and intent behind this statement remain unclear.
The unfolding controversy underscores the heightened scrutiny facing candidates as Hungary approaches parliamentary elections. The allegations against Radics raise questions about transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds to foundations linked to political figures.
