István Boldog: I have always been famous for being incorruptible

The Budapest Court will deliver a first-instance verdict on a bribery case involving former Fidesz MP István Boldog. Boldog maintains his innocence, claiming he has been the target of an unjust media campaign and has faced job loss since the allegations arose. The prosecution accuses him of abusing his official position to influence grant outcomes in exchange for money from selected contractors. The case includes two main charges: one regarding the manipulation of grant results and another about soliciting funds from mayors for his campaign. Boldog's parliamentary immunity was suspended in April 2020, leading to an investigation and subsequent indictment. The trial has seen multiple witnesses, including a former mayor who testified about coercive tactics used by Boldog's associates.