The Kárpát-medencei Tehetséggondozó Nonprofit Kft. (KMTG) paid over 412 million forints (approximately 1.16 million euros) to János Dénes Orbán for the usage rights of several texts, according to company records. Orbán was the professional leader of KMTG while selling these rights as a private individual during the year preceding the 2026 elections.
Budapesti Operettszínház responds to troupe concerns
Members of the Budapesti Operettszínház troupe questioned the impact of these payments in an open letter, citing a previous claim from management that a lack of funds had caused fewer premieres and reduced performances. The troupe stated that the Orbán case requires “further transparent clarification.”
General Director Atilla Kiss-B. responded by stating that the productions associated with János Dénes Orbán did not use the theater’s institutional operating funds. According to Kiss-B., these works were created using additional funds won through successful grant applications.
Did You Know? The Hungarian government declared 2023 as the year of the Hungarian operetta, leading to central support for productions such as “Dankó Pista.”
Funding sources and production costs
Kiss-B. explained that production expenses occur in two stages: costs related to the creation of the work up to the premiere, and the actual costs of each evening performance. He noted that except for one annual premiere funded by internal sources, all other premiere costs were covered by grants.
The production “Orfeum mágusa,” for example, was created with support from the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and Minister János Csák greeted the audience at its premiere. Kiss-B. emphasized that these were earmarked grants and could not be redirected to other purposes.
Regarding nightly performance costs, the General Director stated that most shows—excluding youth and retiree season ticket performances—are profitable. Royalties for Orbán’s works are paid as a percentage of ticket revenue, similar to the honorariums paid to performing artists.
Shift in institutional spending and wages
The theater’s operating funds are primarily used for staff salaries, troupe and core guard benefits, and infrastructure maintenance, according to Kiss-B. He reported a significant shift in budget allocation due to government-mandated pay raises in recent years and 2026.
Personal benefits now exceed 80% of the operating support, compared to approximately 50% in 2019/2020. The average monthly per capita payment for personal benefits rose from 392,891 forints in 2019 to 833,732 forints by 2026.
Orbán proposes buy-back of rights
János Dénes Orbán announced on Thursday that he intends to buy back the works KMTG purchased from him for 412 million forints. In an open letter to Zoltán Tarr, the minister responsible for social affairs and culture, Orbán stated this would restore the original state.
“Alongside the public interest, it is in my greatest interest to clarify this matter and my honor,” Orbán wrote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did KMTG pay János Dénes Orbán?
KMTG paid over 412 million forints, or approximately 1.16 million euros, for the usage rights of several texts.
Why did the theater troupe raise concerns?
The troupe questioned how these payments align with previous management claims that a lack of resources led to fewer premieres and performances.
Where did the money for Orbán’s productions come from?
According to General Director Atilla Kiss-B., these productions were funded through successful grant applications and central support, such as that from the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.
Keep reading