DK demands info on number of criminals who received Hungarian citizenship

The opposition Democratic Coalition is submitting a question to Interior Minister Sandor Pinter querying the number of foreign criminals who received Hungarian citizenship as part of a fast-track procedure scheme in recent years.

The government has said that over one million people have been granted Hungarian citizenship under the scheme, DK deputy leader László Varju told a press conference. This included tens of thousands who had no real Hungarian ties, Varju, who sits in parliament as an independent, added.

DK has estimated that as many as 5,000-6,000 criminals could have received Hungarian citizenship.

Since the introduction of granting Hungarian citizenship in fast-track procedure, “an entire industry” has been set up in Russia, Serbia and Ukraine for the acquisition of documents that could serve as the basis for Hungarian citizenship requests. All applicants should have been properly screened but this was practically impossible because of their large number, Varju said.

Hungary’s parliament passed a law in May 2010, ensuring fast-tracked citizenship for ethnic Hungarians.

Photo: Daily News Hungary

Source: MTI