Hungary Plans to Abolish Regulatory Authority After Controversial Casino Deal
- The Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) extended Sopron’s casino concession to the year 2061 without a public tender.
- Hungary’s new government has ordered a report by September 30 on how to terminate the SZTFH.
- Prime Minister Péter Magyar signed a resolution calling for a review of the SZTFH’s statutory framework.
- The authority was criticized for political entanglement and lack of independence, with senior posts filled without open competition.
- From January to July, SZTFH extended the casino license in Sopron, citing Hungarian law that allows contracting with “reliable gambling organizers” without tenders.
The Hungarian government is moving to dismantle the SZTFH following its extension of Sopron’s casino concession until 2061 without a public tender process. This decision has sparked criticism over potential political entanglements and questions about the authority’s independence. Justice Minister Márta Görög is tasked with reporting on how to terminate the regulator by September 30.
The move follows concerns that the authority served private interests rather than public ones, leading to its impending abolition and redistribution of its functions under direct government control. (Source)
