Hungarian bank finances far-right parties across Europe, including Vox and AUF1, linking them to Russian interests.
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Hungarian financier Lőrinc Mészáros’s bank is financing the rise of far-right movements across Europe, including France and Spain, and also supporting Austrian media outlets linked to the Freedom Party (FPÖ). The AUF1 television channel, supported by an association with a Hungarian bank account, is connected to Mészáros and a Hungarian state financial institution. This network has been exposing founders of the “Patriots for Europe” alliance, which supports Hungary’s sovereign but anti-EU policies and does not reject Russian or Iranian ties. The Spanish Vox party received funding from MBH Bank for its 2023 election campaigns, mirroring support given to France’s National Front by MKB Bank. While Vox claims the loans were necessary due to lack of domestic funds, Viktor Orbán defended his bank’s lending decisions against criticism. Despite government assurances that banking is separate from politics, Vox relies heavily on state funding (75% in Spain), supplemented by private donations, some traced back to Iranian emigrants linked to anti-terror groups. The Hungarian ruling party has aligned with the Spanish Vox leadership in the European Parliament. Similarly, Italy’s League leader Matteo Salvini has ties to Orbán, though his party faces financial issues and past controversies involving Russian funding inquiries. Meanwhile, the FPÖ is benefiting from state support and media outlets that receive donations through a Hungarian bank account linked to Mészáros’s network.
