The Meszaros Group, owned by billionaire Lorinc Meszaros, has denied reports that it is preparing to divest in TV2, stressing in a statement that the ownership “does not plan to sell the media company either at market price or below market value”, according to a statement sent to state news agency MTI on April 27.

The dispute follows comments by Tisza Party leader Peter Magyar, who said in a video over the weekend that while Prime Minister Viktor Orban is "evading responsibility" (for giving up his mandate), oligarchs are making plans to flee the country and "move stolen assets abroad."

"I have also been informed that several oligarch families have already left the country," Magyar added. "According to reports, several influential oligarch families have already withdrawn their children from school and are arranging trusted security personnel for their departure."

He said that Orban-linked oligarchs are transferring tens of billions of forints to the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Uruguay and other distant countries, Magyar alleged on social media on April 25, calling on the chief prosecutor, the police chief and the head of the tax office to “detain the criminals” and "not allow them to flee" to countries where extradition would be unlikely.

Magyar said that large transfers linked to figures around propaganda minister Antal Rogan had been blocked on suspicion of money laundering, but the tax authority NAV did not provide specific information.

He called on "honest investors" to refrain from acquiring these assets, warning that otherwise they could face a future National Asset Recovery and Protection Office.

Hungarian media, citing The Guardian, reported that since the election, members of Viktor Orban’s inner circle have begun moving their assets abroad. The wealth is reportedly being transferred to countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, while others are looking to Australia and Singapore, according to two Fidesz sources cited by the newspaper.

Peter Magyar also named TV2, which has become a key pro-government media channel, as one of the assets owned by Fidesz allies that is being put up for sale.

In response, the Meszaros Group said on April 27 that, as one of Hungary’s largest private-sector employers, it provides livelihoods and stable jobs for nearly 60,000 employees and their families.

The company said it is committed to maintaining stability and safeguarding jobs, adding that Magyar’s public comments had created uncertainty among employees.

The Meszaros Group is the umbrella organisation for companies owned by Hungary’s richest man, whose wealth has risen sharply since 2015, when a former Fidesz-linked businessman fell out of favour with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. It includes BSE-listed Opus Global.

"Since everyone knows that the ultimate owner of the assets of the Meszaros Group is not Lorinc Meszaros, the gas fitter, I can only smile at your claim that TV2 is not currently being sold below value. It is for sale, they just forgot to tell you," Magyar wrote on Facebook.

"Instead of sending legal correspondence, you should prepare for potential hearings at the proposed National Asset Recovery and Protection Authority," he added.

Budapest-based Lounge Group is a communications and event management conglomerate that has become one of the largest government contractors in Hungary’s advertising and PR market. Its owner, Gyula Balasy, has become a symbolic figure of the regime and is widely seen as a close associate of Antal Rogan, who oversees government communications. His company has won major state communication tenders. 

As previously reported by bneIntellinews, some 75% of the HUF1.3 trillion (€3.6bn) in state advertising spending between 2015 and 2023 went to two companies owned by Balasy.

Lounge Group issued a short statement refuting Magyar’s claims.