Hungary's far-right faces 'ruin' over fine

BUDAPEST: Hungary's far-right Jobbik party is facing bankruptcy after being fined over two million euros for alleged illegal campaign funding, its leader said Friday, calling the penalty a "political attack" ahead of elections next year.
The ultra-nationalist party has emerged as the key rival to the ruling Fidesz party of rightwing Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The populist strongman is seeking a third term in a parliamentary ballot in April 2018 but has come under pressure from the far right in recent years.
But Jobbik's future is now in doubt after the state audit agency (ASZ) accused it Wednesday of receiving over one million euros (RM4.8 million) of "prohibited" financial support for its political advertising in 2017.
The ASZ's fine, due to be paid by mid-January, risked "ruining the party financially and threatens our participation in the elections", Jobbik's leader, Gabor Vona, said at a press conference.
"This isn't a financial or technical question but a political attack, not only directed at Jobbik but at Hungary's entire democracy," the 39-year-old said.
Prosecutors opened a probe into Jobbik's financial reporting practices in October after a complaint filed by ASZ.
Despite growing support for the far right, Orban, a fierce opponent of immigration, is expected to win the elections comfortably. — AFP