Fidesz is wrapping up its efforts to uncover instances of verifiable corruption under the previous government. Despite impressive statistics in terms of the number of cases investigated, man-hours put in and funds invested, these efforts have failed to result in as much as a single conviction thus far. Even if a couple materialise later, it isn’t too early to declare Fidesz’ “accountability” mission an unmitigated failure. Still, in defence of the entire project and its leader, Gyula Budai, it must be said that the deck was stacked against them. No government in Hungary has ever had a serious interest in rooting out corruption; not the other party’s, and definitely not its own.

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