KDNP leader calls for Seszták resignation after massive cash seizure by NVVH

The National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office (NVVH) reported a large cash seizure on Friday, November 14, 2026, as part of a criminal investigation involving Miklós Seszták. The investigation included searches conducted on November 12 and 13, 2026, across Budapest and the counties of Pest, Békés, and Nógrád. Investigators located cash buried in forests, hidden in residential properties, inside high-value safes, and within agricultural and warehouse buildings.

The total amount of seized currency includes 5,071,632,000 HUF, 2,658,350 EUR, and 1,257,100 USD. The seized funds were deposited into the Hungarian State Treasury (MÁK) on Friday. The NVVH credited the National Criminal Investigation Office's Criminal Technical Department, the Standby Police, the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), and the Hungarian State Treasury for their assistance during the operation.

Political fallout and demands for resignation

The discovery has triggered significant political reactions within the ruling coalition. Bence Rétvári, the KDNP faction leader, requested via Facebook that Miklós Seszták return his parliamentary mandate and clear his name before authorities. Bence Rétvári stated that the criminal case must be separated from the political community.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar demanded that KDNP members distance themselves from Miklós Seszták and resign if they do not uphold their oaths. According to a report by Portfolio, Péter Magyar called for the immediate resignation of all KDNP members. Additionally, Péter Magyar stated that Fidesz-KDNP must distance themselves from the mafia and claimed that Fidesz wants to portray the entire right wing as a criminal organization.

Legal status and ongoing investigation

Miklós Seszták is a Member of the National Assembly for the KDNP and currently holds a deputy president position within the party. He previously served as a minister in the cabinet of Viktor Orbán, where he oversaw state assets and the Hungarian National Asset Management Zrt.

The parliamentary immunity of Miklós Seszták was suspended in September 2026 due to criminal proceedings regarding official misconduct and extortion. While the investigation continues, Gábor Papp, the lawyer for Miklós Seszták, stated that the seized funds do not belong to Miklós Seszták. Gábor Papp also stated that no one claimed the found billions belong to Miklós Seszták.

The exact total amount of cash seized remains a subject of varying reports. While official figures from the NVVH list the amount at approximately 5 billion HUF, other reports from Hungarian media outlets suggest totals between 6 billion and 6.5 billion HUF.

Glossary

• Budapest — Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary. It serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center.
• Hungarian State Treasury (MÁK) — The Hungarian State Treasury (MÁK) is the current name for the Royal Postal Savings Bank. It is a financial institution located in Budapest.
• KDNP — The Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP) is a component of the Fidesz–KDNP Party Alliance. It is a Christian nationalist and far-right electoral alliance.
• Pest — Pest is a location that includes a coffee house where the revolution started. It is also a county mentioned in the context of criminal investigations.
• Békés — Békés is a county that features various tourist attractions such as Gyula Castle and the Szarvas Arboretum. It is also a location where criminal investigations have been conducted.