Donald Tusk is leaving his job as European Council president, but he still faces the problem presented by his old friend, transformed by power and cynicism.
Tag: Hungary
E.U. Lawmakers Condemn Subsidy Corruption but Disagree on What to Do
A Times investigation showed how oligarchs and political patrons make millions in farm subsidies. But the program is all but sacrosanct.
Who Keeps Europe’s Farm Billions Flowing? Often, Those Who Benefit
Conflict-of-interest rules are uneven. Influence-peddling is murky. The enormous E.U. subsidy program is built to keep the money moving.
E.U. Defends Farm Subsidy Program Exploited by Autocrats
Outright fraud is rare, officials said. A Times investigation found that the program helped underwrite oligarchs, mobsters and far-right populists.
The Money Farmers: How Oligarchs and Populists Milk the E.U. for Millions
The European Union spends $65 billion a year subsidizing agriculture. But a chunk of that money emboldens strongmen, enriches politicians and finances corrupt dealing.
We Just Wanted to Talk E.U. Farm Policy. Why Was Someone Always Looking Over Our Shoulders?
The European Union conceals data showing where billions in subsidies go. So we needed a workaround.
In Hungary, Viktor Orban Showers Money on Stadiums, Less So on Hospitals
The Hungarian prime minister has created what critics call a semi-autocracy at the heart of democratic Europe. But he has largely ignored his country’s health care system.
Setback for Orban as Opposition in Hungary Gains Ground in Elections
The governing Fidesz party lost the mayoralty of Budapest and 10 other cities in a campaign dominated by sex tapes and corruption accusations.
Romania Pushes to Be Treated as a Fully Fledged E.U. Member
More than 12 years after joining the bloc, the country’s leaders say it has made progress against corruption and deserves expanded rights for travel and trade.
Gyorgy Konrad, Writer and Dissident in Communist Hungary, Dies at 86
Known internationally for books like “The Case Worker,” he was an advocate of individual liberty and played a prominent role after Communist rule ended.