Orban filmed in Serbia with two billionaires drinking prune juice.

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was captured on video during a visit to Serbia, walking through the village of Guča with two influential Hungarian entrepreneurs. The footage, shared by investigative journalist Sabolcs Panyi on social media, shows Orbán in a relaxed state, drinking homemade plum brandy while accompanied by Oszkár Világi, deputy chief executive of the oil company MOL, and Dániel Taraczky, lead architect of the controversial estate Hatvanpuszta. The images have drawn attention in Hungary and beyond, highlighting Orbán’s informal interactions with business figures tied to his political circle. The video was initially published by the news agency RINA, which described Orbán as visibly in high spirits as he walked without apparent security detail alongside his companions. Several passersby recognized him and asked for photographs, indicating a level of public engagement unusual for a former head of government. Additional footage later surfaced showing Orbán enjoying a drink of local plum brandy, further emphasizing the casual nature of the encounter. Világi, who walked on Orbán’s left side, is a prominent Hungarian billionaire based in Slovakia and holds a senior position at MOL, one of Europe’s largest oil companies. He is also the majority owner of the football club DAC 1904 in Dunakeszi. According to Panyi, Világi and Orbán have maintained close personal ties over many years, even after recent changes in Hungary’s leadership structure. Their relationship has remained intact despite shifts in political power, suggesting a long-standing personal connection rather than purely professional ties. On Orbán’s right stood Dániel Taraczky, the principal architect behind the luxury estate Hatvanpuszta, which has been linked to Orbán’s family and has sparked political controversy in Hungary for years. Taraczky’s involvement in the project has placed him at the center of public scrutiny, particularly following allegations related to the demolition of a protected cultural monument on the property. According to reports from the Hungarian website 444.hu, Taraczky has become a billionaire through contracts involving both the Hatvanpuszta estate and numerous construction projects funded by public money. His work on these projects has led to significant financial gains, elevating his profile within Hungary’s business community. However, his actions have also attracted legal consequences. Following the destruction of the protected site, politician Ákos Hadházy filed a complaint against him with the Hungarian Chamber of Architects. In May of this year, the chamber’s ethics committee issued a preliminary ruling stating that Taraczky had grossly violated the law and professional standards. As a result, his membership in the chamber was suspended for one year, and he faces a fine of 800,000 forints. Orbán’s presence in Serbia and his association with individuals such as Világi and Taraczky raise questions about the extent of private sector influence in Hungarian politics. Both men hold positions of considerable economic power and have been involved in projects that intersect with public interests, often drawing criticism for their handling of resources and compliance with regulations. Their proximity to Orbán, a leader known for consolidating authority, underscores the complex interplay between business and governance in Hungary. The incident has reignited discussions about the transparency of political relationships and the role of private enterprise in shaping national policy. While Orbán’s visit to Serbia appears to have been a private affair, the visibility of his companions and the nature of their activities suggest broader implications. The footage serves as a reminder of how public figures can engage with private entities in ways that blur the lines between personal and political spheres. The situation continues to unfold as Hungarian authorities and media scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the visit and its potential impact on ongoing debates about governance and accountability. The involvement of high-profile individuals in such settings will likely remain under observation, given their roles in both economic and political domains.