Raids targeting anti-corruption chief shake Hungarian government

Hungarian police raided the offices of the Integrity Commission, a government body that oversees the use of EU funds.

The public prosecutor announced that its president, Ferenc Biro, was suspected of corruption and abuse of power.

The police also raided Biro's home and confiscated his documents.

He admitted to “lenting his official car to his wife to go shopping,” but he rejects these accusations and says he is being targeted for political reasons “from above.”

This statement alone raised eyebrows in Hungary.

Ferenc Biro and his wife Judit are insiders in the leadership positions of the ruling Fidesz party and enjoy excellent relations at the highest levels. His position and salary are equivalent to that of a government minister.

The integrity body was set up in early 2023, to prove to the European Commission that EU funds were properly spent and audited. Its leaders are appointed by the President of the Republic.

The Public Prosecutor's Office also accuses him of obstructing the work of his two deputies.

These accusations shake the government for three reasons.

These sanctions come just 10 days after Antal Rogan, the minister responsible for government communications and secret services in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, was listed by the US Treasury as “the main architect, implementer and beneficiary of this system.” Of corruption.”

The government strongly criticized the move, describing it as “personal revenge” against outgoing US Ambassador David Pressman.

The second reason is that Attorney General Peter Bolt has long been accused by the opposition of failing to investigate corruption in the ruling Fidesz party.

The third reason is that Hungary permanently lost €1bn (£845m) in EU funds on 31 December, and billions more are at risk if it does not meet strict EU criteria for releasing funds that have already been held up.

“Throughout my career I have fought against corruption and fraud and for ethics and integrity,” Pirro wrote in his October 2022 application letter for president.

According to a statement from the prosecutor, in addition to his official car, Biro rented a second luxury car, with an invoice value of 14 million Hungarian forints (€34,000; £29,000).

Hungarian media reports claim that the office's funds were used to renovate his luxury home and build a fence several hundred meters long around it.

Deprived of EU funds, with the Hungarian currency losing value and the annual inflation rate rising sharply to 4.6% last month, the Hungarian economy is in trouble.

Government critics believe Ferenc Biro may be right – Viktor Orbán is trying to sacrifice one of his own chess pieces, in order to gain access to the funds he desperately needs.

Pirro responded to the investigation in a statement of his own.

He said on Thursday evening: “They personally attacked today specifically, and through this they sought to make the work of the Integrity Commission impossible.”

“Our organization has always operated and continues to operate in accordance with the highest ethical and legal standards.”