Péter Magyar: “We are launching Operation Cleansing Fire”

At an extraordinary press conference, the Prime Minister announced that two legislative packages would be submitted: one concerning the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law, and the other establishing the National Asset Recovery and Protection Authority.

Péter Magyar recalled that the proposed constitutional amendment had been opened for public consultation and could be commented on for five days via the government’s official website. He also referred to his earlier remarks comparing the Italian mafia with what he described as a Hungarian “economic and political mafia,” and once again spent considerable time outlining the similarities in order to justify the need for the legislative package.

He stated that if Tamás Sulyok does not sign his own dismissal, then according to the Fundamental Law he would be acting against Hungarian legislation, and proceedings to strip him of his rights could justifiably be initiated against him.

Magyar also addressed the creation of the National Asset Recovery and Protection Authority, explaining that it would be established by the National Assembly and would be accountable to Parliament. A public application process would be launched for the positions of president and four deputy presidents. The authority would be able to rely on the existing institutions, including the prosecution service, police, the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), and law enforcement personnel.