Orbán hits back as minister brands gambling firm a ‘cash dispenser’

Zoltán Sólyom has no gambling or political experience but sat on Szerencsejáték’s supervisory board since August.

The hit

Hungary’s finance minister András Kármán announced Zoltán Sólyom as the new CEO of state gambling group Szerencsejáték Zrt on his Facebook page on 27 October, according to SBC News, before the appointment was confirmed in the government gazette. Szerencsejáték had been without a leader since Kármán fired former CEO Zoltán Guller in July.

Why it matters

A minister publicly naming a state company’s chief executive before formal confirmation signals tight political control over Szerencsejáték’s leadership. Kármán has paired the appointment with allegations that the firm funded Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz network, a claim Orbán’s office denies. For the gambling trade, it points to a governance shake-up rather than market liberalisation for now.

The record

CEO fired	Zoltán Guller removed by Kármán in July
Board axed	Four directors removed, one resigned, effective 15 July (Kármán)
New chair & director	Marcell Olajos named chairman; Zoltán Horváth joins board
Orbán’s office response	Statement defending Szerencsejáték’s management reported 28 October
Regulator stripped of power	SZTFH loses concession duties after parliamentary vote on 22 September

What happens next

Watch for the government gazette to formally confirm Sólyom’s appointment, & for any TISZA government decision on competition or liberalisation in Hungary’s gambling market.

Sources: Hungary hijacks Szerencsejáték CEO appointment

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