Hankó Balázs will remain behind bars until February, his appeal has been rejected

Former cultural and innovation minister Balázs Hankó and his ex-secretary Veronika Varga-Bajusz will remain in custody until February after their appeal was rejected. The Kecskemét Court extended their detention due to serious allegations of embezzlement involving significant sums from the National Cultural Fund, which were allegedly misallocated for political campaigns. The prosecution cited risks of flight and tampering with evidence as reasons for the continued detention. Hankó has denied the charges, claiming compliance with laws and government decisions. The Fidesz-KDNP party views these proceedings as politically motivated against their members.