US Sanctions Hungarian Official Antal Rogán

The United States has sanctioned Antal Rogán, a close advisor to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act due to allegations of widespread corruption. The U.S. Treasury claims Rogán organized schemes benefiting himself and the ruling Fidesz party at the expense of the Hungarian populace, contributing to a culture of impunity among oligarchs in Hungary. This decision, made by the outgoing Biden administration, aims to protect U.S. financial systems from corrupt activities linked to Rogán. The sanctions have sparked outrage from Hungarian officials, including Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who views them as a politically motivated attack. The incoming Trump administration may reconsider these sanctions, given its more favorable stance towards Orbán's government. This marks a significant diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Hungary, highlighting concerns over Hungary's drift towards authoritarianism and closer ties with Russia.