Hungarian PM Magyar pursues Orbán officials for corruption

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar's government is pursuing former officials accused of corruption and abuses of power under his predecessor.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar's new government is pursuing former officials he accuses of corruption and abuses of power. In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Magyar, 45, said efforts to recover assets allegedly misused under his predecessor Viktor Orbán were underway but must follow the rule of law that Orbán's government often flouted. 'The Hungarian people obviously want to see results in holding those responsible accountable, punishing them and recovering stolen property,' Magyar said from his central Budapest office.

Magyar's centre-right, pro-European Tisza party defeated Orbán's far-right Fidesz in April, ending 16 years of rule. During Orbán's tenure, Magyar said Hungarians 'experienced that this wonderful country, which was a high achiever when we joined the European Union in 2004, became one of the poorest and most corrupt member states in Europe.' Orbán's government dismantled checks and balances and enriched allied business figures largely through awarding them lucrative EU-financed state contracts.

Concerns over corruption and democratic backsliding prompted the EU to begin withholding billions in funding to Hungary in 2021. Before the election, Magyar promised to bring those responsible for past abuses to justice and to recover public assets misused under Orbán. Recent polls show a large majority of voters expect him to fulfil that pledge.

How it is being reported

• Hungary’s Magyar vows accountability for Orbán era while holding firm on migrationHungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is actively pursuing former officials accused of corruption and power abuses.Clickorlando · 21 Oct, 06:06
• Hungary’s Magyar vows accountability for Orbán era while holding firm on migrationHungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is actively pursuing former officials accused of corruption and power abuses.News4Jax · 21 Oct, 06:06

In this story: Péter Magyar · Viktor Orbán · Tisza · Fidesz · Hungary · European Union · Budapest

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