A political storm has erupted in Hungary after independent lawmaker Akos Hadházy published photos of what he claims is Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s unfinished luxury estate in Hatvanpuszta, featuring a palm garden and a private zoo. The images, reportedly taken by a former worker on the site, show extensive grounds with heated walkways, underground tunnels, and exotic animals, prompting comparisons to former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych’s notorious Mezhyhirya residence.
Heated walkways, underground tunnels, exotic wildlife
Hadházy alleged that workers had their phones confiscated to prevent leaks and were threatened if they spoke about the project. He shared earlier images from four years ago, showing construction details such as heated cables beneath pathways to keep them snow-free, a brick-lined underground corridor linking buildings, and landscaped areas that include fountains, a chapel, and a library. A large crowd joined a weekend “tour” to view the fenced-off site from outside, many eager to catch a glimpse of the zebras, antelopes, and buffalo that have been kept there.
Government insists it is a family farm
Government minister Gergely Gulyás described the property as a “manor,” while Orban has maintained it is merely his father’s farm, still under construction. However, Hadházy says energy certificates obtained for the site show it has been officially classified as a residential building. Hungarian media outlet HVG reported that parts of the original neoclassical structures were demolished to make way for the estate.
Opposition pledges investigation if elected
Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition party Tisza and a key challenger to Orban in upcoming elections, has vowed to launch a sweeping audit of government officials’ assets over the past two decades if he comes to power. He said the investigation would include the Hatvanpuszta property, with authorities empowered to obtain permits, heritage protection records, and testimony from investors and workers involved in the project.
Scandal unfolds amid broader political unrest
The revelations come amid a wave of protests against Orban’s policies, including a bill banning LGBT pride events and recent constitutional amendments curtailing LGBT rights. Another controversial draft law, “On the Transparency of Public Life,” would allow the Sovereignty Protection Office to blacklist organizations receiving foreign funding — including EU grants — if deemed a threat to national sovereignty. All opposition parties have rejected the amendments, and mass demonstrations have been held in Budapest in response.
