Economic committee hears candidate for Hungarian State Audit Office head

Parliament’s economic committee on Monday interviewed László Windisch, candidate for president of the State Audit Office (ÁSZ).

In his interview, Windisch said the role of ÁSZ would become more important “in times of financial and economic difficulties”. In the future “it will be increasingly important that state spending is not only legitimate but successful and effective, too”, he said.

“I want to build a modern, professional, central watch-dog and consultant organisation,” he said, adding that he would focus on forming “competency centres” within ÁSZ with the best experts and “outstanding” salaries.

Windisch said he supported deregulation and added that a number of areas were “highly overregulated with a small number of deviancies prevented through too many rules”. He said he wanted “fewer but more thorough” probes.

Answering a question, Windisch said ÁSZ would look into the system of overseeing civil organisations, adding that ÁSZ would strive for partnership with such groups.

The candidate is currently deputy leader of the Central Statistical Office.

The committee supported Windisch’s candidacy with 12 votes in favour and 3 against.

If elected by parliament later in the day, Windisch will fill the post for 12 years.