Hungary’s top businessman denies plans to sell major TV channel

Lőrinc Mészáros, one of Hungary’s most influential business figures, has denied plans to sell the country’s major broadcaster TV2, pushing back against claims made by Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar.

The dispute comes as Hungary prepares for a political transition, with Magyar—leader of the Tisza Party—expected to take office as prime minister. Late last week, he alleged that business elites close to outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán were preparing to liquidate assets, move funds abroad, and leave the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

In response, the Meszaros Group, the conglomerate linked to Mészáros, rejected the claims, warning they risk fueling uncertainty among its workforce. The company employs around 60,000 people across multiple sectors of the Hungarian economy.

“To reassure our employees, we consider it important to state that the owners do not plan to sell TV2 at either market price or a discounted price. Hoping for an encouraging response from Hungary’s future prime minister for the sake of 60,000 families, we wish the new government patience and success in addressing the challenges ahead,” the company said in a statement.

Mészáros also reportedly sent a private letter to Magyar, though its contents were not disclosed. In response, the Tisza Party leader said on Facebook that he “has no need for any of this” and reaffirmed his position.

On April 25, Magyar claimed that “oligarchs linked to Orbán are transferring tens of billions of forints” to destinations including the UAE, the United States, and Uruguay. He further alleged that Hungary’s tax authority had halted several large transactions tied to figures close to Antal Rogán, citing suspicions of money laundering.

By Sabina Mammadli