Brief
Hungarian PM Péter Magyar vows asset recovery and rule‑of‑law reforms
Magyar says his “super‑authority” will speed up investigations while stressing the need for due process.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar told the Associated Press on Tuesday that his administration, less than six months into office, is launching a drive to hold former officials accountable for alleged corruption and to recover assets misused under Viktor Orbán’s rule.
What happened
Magyar, 45, announced the creation of the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, a body with investigative and prosecutorial powers that can enlist police, prosecutors and the national tax authority. He described the office as a “super‑authority” designed to avoid lengthy investigations. The government has already detained several former officials on suspicion of corruption‑related offences. Magyar also said Hungary has applied to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, reversing Orbán’s previous refusal to participate.
What the reports add
The interview highlighted that public opinion polls show a large majority of voters expect the new government to fulfil its pledge to recover stolen property. Magyar emphasized that, while there is public impatience, the process must respect the rule of law and fundamental EU rights. He contrasted the expected pace with the “first 10 minutes of mafia movies” and stressed that lasting results come later.
What was said
"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, as reported by Independent.co.uk. He added, "I feel the impatience, but everyone must understand that we want to build a rule of law state, a democratic country, a country that complies with EU and fundamental rights, and that takes time." He also warned that the effort will not be a quick cinematic climax, saying, "It’s not the first 10 minutes of mafia movies and crime films that are the most exciting, but the middle and the end."
How it came about
Magyar’s centre‑right, pro‑European Tisza party defeated Orbán’s far‑right Fidesz in April, ending 16 years of rule that the former premier described as an “illiberal democracy.” During Orbán’s tenure, EU‑financed state contracts were awarded to allied business figures, prompting the EU to withhold billions in funding from Hungary in 2021 over concerns of corruption and democratic backsliding. Magyar’s government is positioning the new asset‑recovery office as a response to those concerns.
Key facts
- Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office. (independent.co.uk)
- The office can enlist police, prosecutors and the tax authority to speed up corruption cases. (independent.co.uk)
- Hungary has applied to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. (independent.co.uk)
- Several former officials have already been detained on suspicion of corruption. (independent.co.uk)
- Public polls show a large majority expect the government to recover stolen assets. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Hungary’s Magyar vows accountability for Orbán era while holding firm on migration”
