The case of the businessman János Sánta

Abstract

Abstract A non-conventional change of government occurred in Hungary in 2010. The winner of the election, the FIDESZ-KDNP alliance transformed the Hungarian constitutional system radically and changed the structure and management of state administration with unprecedented speed. We witnessed the introduction of new and until-now never-applied approaches and tools for regulating the economy and the taxation system. How did the more significant Hungarian entrepreneurs behave in this radically modified socio-economic environment? It is clear that a new group of owner-managers emerged, which enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with the ruling party coalition, and therefore with the government and state administration. The extension and political-economic power of this group is not known. This case study on the life and company history of owner-manager János Sántha, who was among the decisive players of a radical transformation of the tobacco market, could help to understand this process. It could help to create a modified typology of notable entrepreneurs in Hungary. Keywords: case study, entrepreneurship, political ties of companies, typology of entrepreneurs