Hungarian Parliament Approves New Office to Combat Public Asset Abuse

The Hungarian Parliament has passed legislation to establish a new government body, the National Office for the Protection and Recovery of Public Assets (NVVH). This new agency is tasked with uncovering abuses of public property, investigating corruption, and supporting the recovery of illegally obtained assets.

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The main task of the NVVH will be to uncover abuses of public property in the past, investigate corruption, and support the recovery of illegally acquired property.

The bill received support from 143 lawmakers, primarily from the ruling Tisza party and the opposition Our Homeland Movement (Mi Hazánk Mozgalom). However, 46 members of the opposition Fidesz party voted against its establishment. The passage required a two-thirds majority in the 199-member parliament.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated in mid-June that the NVVH's primary mission would be to investigate past abuses of public funds and promote the recovery of illicitly gained property. He described the office as a crucial step toward ensuring "public finances regain the character of public funds" and advocated for the strictest possible version of the law. Magyar reiterated its significance as a milestone in regime change prior to the vote.

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This is a key step towards ensuring that 'public finances regain the character of public funds'.

The NVVH will operate as an independent central budgetary authority. Its president will be required to submit an annual activity report to parliament. The office will be led by the president and four vice-presidents, whose nominations will be handled by the constitutional committee before a parliamentary vote within 30 days. These officials will be granted immunity, and re-election will not be permitted. The NVVH will possess investigative powers and can request cooperation from police, prosecutors, tax authorities, and customs agencies to fulfill its mandate.

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This is a fundamental milestone in the regime change.