Hungary Enacts Law to Combat Misuse of Public Property

A new law in Hungary establishing a National Office for the Protection and Recovery of Public Property has officially come into effect. The legislation was signed into law by the Speaker of Parliament, Ágnes Forsthofferová, who is temporarily exercising presidential powers.

The office's primary mandate, as outlined by Prime Minister Péter Magyar in mid-June, is to identify past abuses of public property, investigate corruption cases, and facilitate the recovery of assets obtained through illicit means. Magyar emphasized that this initiative is crucial for restoring the integrity of public finances, ensuring they function as genuine public resources.

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public finances to regain the character of public resources

The parliamentary vote saw 143 lawmakers from the ruling Tisza party and the opposition Homeland Movement (Mi Hazánk Mozgalom) support the bill, while 46 members of the opposition Fidesz party voted against it. The passage required a two-thirds majority in the 199-member legislature.

Magyar characterized the establishment of this office as a "fundamental milestone in regime change," signaling a significant shift in governance. The office will operate as an independent central budgetary body. Its head will be required to submit an annual activity report to parliament. The leadership structure will include a chairman and four deputy chairmen, whose nominations will be handled by the constitutional committee and confirmed by the full parliament within 30 days. These officials will serve six-year terms, enjoy immunity, and will not be eligible for re-election.

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a fundamental milestone in regime change