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Original article: Kast y la ruta del dinero de la ultraderecha: red que presidió entra al radar de EE.UU. por fondos de Orbán

The investigation into Hungarian resources provided by the Viktor Orbán administration to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and other global far-right groups, including an organization led by José Antonio Kast for two years, has captured the attention of the United States (U.S.). Here, a Democratic congressman has requested clarification on CPAC’s role in any potential political financing for Donald Trump’s campaign.

Following Orbán’s electoral defeat after 16 years in power, the new Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, announced that an investigation will examine the possible use of public funds to finance CPAC and organizations linked to his international network, including the Political Network for Values (PNfV), a far-right platform led by Kast from 2022 to 2024.

The judicial inquiry specifically targets the origin, flow, and ultimate destination of substantial Hungarian public funds, to determine if they were systematically diverted to support organizations, foundations, think tanks, summits, media outlets, influencers, and global far-right ideological networks, including the Spanish party Vox, which received 9 million euros to fund political campaigns.

In the case of PNfV, there are indications that it has received funds authorized by the administration of Orbán—whom Kast has referred to as “an inspiration for our work from day one of government”.

These allocations are under the scrutiny of Hungarian justice amidst allegations of corruption, irregular political financing, and potential misuse of public funds by the Prime Minister.

Cicardini Demands Clarity on Corruption Investigation Linked to Kast’s Network

The connection between the platform led by the current President of Chile and CPAC was documented by the Investigative Unit of El Mostrador, which revealed how the corporation—established in 2014 in the U.S.— received direct grants from the Hungarian government, noted even in that country’s official gazette.

In light of this, Senator Daniela Cicardini (PS) is demanding transparency to clarify the allocation of funds and determine if the far-right platform had any influence on Kast’s presidential campaign.

“Chileans deserve to know the truth,” Cicardini stated, adding that she and Congressman Daniel Manouchehri (PS) will consider next steps.

Congressman Calls for Investigation into Whether Orbán’s Funds Supported Trump

While Kast’s administration has opted for silence despite repeated media inquiries regarding this controversy, in the U.S., Democratic Congressman Mike Levin, representing Southern California, submitted a formal request for intervention addressed to IRS Director Frank Bisignano; Chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission, Shana M. Broussard; and the Deputy Attorney General of the Justice Department, Todd Blanche, to investigate whether the donations received by CPAC were used to support Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Levin argued that federal campaign finance law explicitly prohibits foreign money from being used in U.S. elections.

“Collectively, these laws protect the voice and vote of American citizens and safeguard civil society from external influence,” he assured in a document accessed by El Mostrador’s Investigative Unit.

According to the congressman, the web revealed by Magyar in Hungary is particularly concerning given Trump’s administration’s intent to dismantle “the safeguards against foreign interference in American politics.”

“These actions,” he warned, “send a signal to foreign governments that their intention to undermine American democracy is welcome, and that they can continue to attempt it.”

Among the questions Levin raised to the authorities is whether CPAC received foreign funds, in what amounts, and for what beneficiaries; whether it violated any federal election activity laws; and if the IRS has conducted audits to ensure compliance with restrictions on charities.

According to the Democratic legislator, “the American people deserve to know that their vote matters and that their voice is heard. These allegations require a prompt and thorough response to ensure a zero-tolerance approach toward foreign interference in American politics.”

Meanwhile, in Chile, the question of whether the money trail from Orbán reached Kast’s campaign remains unanswered, against the backdrop of anticipation regarding the next steps from both Hungarian and U.S. justice.

La entrada Kast and the Far-Right Funding Trail: Orbán’s Financial Network Under U.S. Scrutiny se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.