The combined wealth of Hungary’s 100 richest individuals rose by HUF1.56 trillion (€3.9bn) over the past year to a record HUF12.6 trillion (€36bn), according to the latest edition of The 100 Richest Hungarians annual ranking, Index.hu writes.

The increase represents annual growth of 14%, down from 22% a year earlier, but still marks the highest aggregate wealth since the publication was first launched 25 years ago.

Wealth remains highly concentrated as the ten richest control assets worth an estimated HUF5.79 trillion, accounting for 46% of total in the group. This year the ceiling to enter the most affluent list was HUF20bn, slightly higher than last year's HUF19.7bn threshold. Three-quarters of businessmen increased their wealth, while 20 saw declines.

Lorinc Meszaros, the childhood friend of Viktor Orban retained first place with an estimated fortune of HUF1.6 trillion, up from HUF1.42 trillion a year earlier. However, his wealth growth slowed significantly compared to the nearly 50% increase recorded in the previous ranking. The wealth accumulation of the former gas-fitter gained pace after the 2015 fallout of Lajos Simicska, the ex-cashier of Fidesz and the number one oligarch at the time. Simicska, a dorm-mate of Orban in the college years, turned against the then prime minister for his authoritian, illiberal shift and pro-Russian stance.

OTP Bank chairman and CEO Sandor Csanyi remained second with an estimated HUF935bn, followed by industrial entrepreneur Zsolt Felcsuti of MPF Holding, who prefers to keep a low profile despite building a highly successful business empire without Fidesz backing.

One of the most notable developments in this year's ranking is the appearance of Tibor Pavelka as a new entrant in the top 10, with a wealth of HUF309bn.

Pavelka is the co-founder of Semilab, a global semiconductor supplier. His company serves high-tech industries worldwide and is considered one of Hungary’s most prominent deep-tech exporters. Late last year, the company's US subsidiary, Semilab USA LLC, was acquired by Onto Innovation for HUF164bn, making it one of the largest M&A transactions of the year. 

The magazine also published its annual ranking of Hungary's most influential figures, which reflects the shift in the country's new political landscape after the stunning election victory of the Tisza Party. Prime Minister Peter Magyar topped the influence ranking, while former prime minister Orban fell from first to fourth place. Meszaros, previously among the most influential figures in the country, dropped out of the top 20 altogether.

Editors of the ranking said 2027 and the coming years could bring significant changes to both Hungary's business and political elite as the economy adjusts to the post-Orban era.