Hungary’s Parliament is set to deliberate on Monday whether to revoke the immunity of two former ministers as part of ongoing corruption investigations spearheaded by the recently established National Asset Recovery and Protection Office. This move is seen as a significant step in Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s broader anti-corruption initiative, termed “Operation Purgatory.”
The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, founded in 2026, is tasked with tracing, safeguarding, and reclaiming public assets believed to have been illicitly removed from state ownership. It holds the mandate to scrutinize cases involving public procurement, state subsidies, concessions, European Union funds, and state-owned enterprises. Additionally, it has the authority to conduct investigations and represent public prosecution in relevant court proceedings.
The former ministers under scrutiny are Balázs Hankó and Miklós Seszták. Hankó is being investigated in connection with the National Cultural Fund, while Seszták’s case pertains to the state-owned transportation company, Volánbusz. Both politicians have denied any wrongdoing, and no convictions have been reported as of yet.
In a broader context, Parliament is also anticipated to review separate immunity cases involving Prime Minister Péter Magyar and MP Mária Gurzó. These proceedings are part of Magyar’s larger agenda to implement institutional reforms and strengthen anti-corruption measures.
While the asset recovery office has not yet disclosed which specific cases it will prioritize, its establishment marks a pivotal moment in Hungary’s efforts to tackle corruption at high levels of government. Prime Minister Magyar has emphasized that the office plays a crucial role in his administration’s commitment to reform and transparency.