US sanctions Hungarian top official Antal Rogán over corruption claims

Washington has decided to place Hungarian government official Antal Rogán on its sanctions list due to his alleged involvement in corruption, the US Department of State announced on Tuesday.

Rogán, an economist and former mayor of Belváros-Lipótváros, is one of the most influential senior figures in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government.

His portfolio as Minister in Charge of Orbán's Cabinet Office covers a wide range of areas, including formal and informal government communications, as well as civilian intelligence.

Prior to that, Rogán was the parliamentary group leader of Orbán's party, Fidesz.

"During his tenure as a government official, including as Minister in Charge of Orbán's Cabinet Office, Rogán has reportedly orchestrated schemes designed to control strategic sectors of the Hungarian economy," the US Department of State said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Minister Rogán has played a central role in enabling a system in Hungary that has benefitted himself and his party at the expense of the Hungarian people," it added.

"We continue to urge Hungary’s leaders to address corruption proactively, unequivocally, and decisively. A more transparent Hungary will contribute to a stronger transatlantic alliance and a more prosperous Europe," the statement concluded.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó slammed Washington's decision, stating it was an act of vendetta staged by US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman.

This is the personal revenge against Rogán Antal of the ambassador sent by the failed US administration to Hungary, who leaves without success and in disgrace," Szijjártó said in a post on Facebook.

"How nice that in a few days the United States will be led by people who see our country as a friend and not an enemy," he added.

Rogan was placed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's list under the Global Magnitsky Act, which targets human rights abusers and global corruption actors.