The 50 Richest Hungarians of 2021: From Mészáros to PM Orbán’s Son-in-Law
Forbes has once again released its list of the 50 richest Hungarians for this year, showcasing both familiar names and new entrants who have climbed the ranks unexpectedly. At the top of the list stands Viktor Orbán’s childhood friend, Lőrinc Mészáros, with a fortune exceeding HUF 1 trillion. Mészáros’ wealth has skyrocketed by over 107%, fueled by stock market transactions and public investments.
In 2023, Mészáros’ companies generated significant dividends, propelling his direct earnings to HUF 73 billion. His business empire has not only expanded within Hungary but also across several countries in the region. The top 10 richest Hungarians include names like Sándor Csányi, Zsolt Felcsuti, and Tibor Veres, who have amassed impressive fortunes in various industries such as finance, real estate, and online services.
Newcomers like Erik Keszthelyi and the owners of Hell Energy have also made their mark on the list this year. Notably, István Tiborcz, the Prime Minister’s son-in-law, has doubled his wealth in just one year, securing the 15th position with investments in Gránit Bank and BDPST luxury real estate.
While the impressive wealth accumulation of the richest Hungarians is noteworthy, questions have been raised about the economic factors contributing to their success, including state subsidies and privatisation. The concentration of economic opportunities at the top raises concerns about the long-term social and economic implications of growing disparities in wealth.
The list of the 50 richest Hungarians serves as a reflection of both business achievements and the economic landscape of the country. As wealth disparities continue to widen, it becomes crucial to address the potential challenges posed by concentrated economic power at the top.
