Geszti profited hundreds of millions, but now speaks of national plundering

A recent report in Magyar Nemzet delves into the financial dealings of Péter Geszti, a prominent figure in Hungarian media and arts, revealing substantial profits accumulated through his companies over the past 16 years. The article highlights that Geszti's firm, Grund Productions Kft., alone has distributed nearly 870 million forints (approximately $2.4 million USD) in dividends, with his wife, Edit Ditz, serving as managing director.

This financial success is juxtaposed with Geszti's public persona, which has often been critical of the current Hungarian government. The report points out that despite his perceived political leanings, Geszti's ventures have consistently benefited from state funding. For instance, his company received grants from the National Film Institute for film productions, and he himself worked for the institute while also producing films funded by it. His wife's film projects have also received substantial state support.

Furthermore, the article notes Geszti's involvement in organizing events for corporate entities, including the CBA's 20th-anniversary celebration in 2012. At the time, HVG reported on Geszti, a known advisor for political campaigns, leading the event for a retail network closely associated with the 'opposite side' of the political spectrum.

Magyar Nemzet's investigation raises questions about Geszti's recent public pronouncements concerning the "plundering" and "humiliation" of the nation. The report suggests that, contrary to his critical stance, Geszti has been one of the beneficiaries of the system over the last 16 years, even while voicing political dissent. This narrative challenges the public image of Geszti as an outsider purely critical of the government, framing him instead as an individual who has successfully navigated and profited within the existing economic and political landscape, regardless of his stated political views.