Fidesz: Hungary aims to set anti-corruption example

Hungary is committed to setting an example when it comes to public procurement transparency and fighting corruption, Tibor Navracsics, the minister for regional development and the uptake of EU funds, said on Tuesday.

Presenting data published by the European Union’s anti-corruption taskforce OLAF, Navracsics pointed to the falling number of cases the body had referred to the Hungarian authorities between 2016-2021.

Regarding public procurement procedures and corruption, Hungary has “whitened” considerably, Navracsics said. The document published by the European Commission shows that while Hungary “still has room for improvement”, its public procurements are no longer considered seriously problematic, he said.

Hungary has committed to steps in six areas as part of its negotiations with the European Commission, Navracsics said.

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The government is setting up the Integrity Authority to help the fight against corruption. The authority will be up and ready by 19 November, he said. The authority’s anti-corruption working group composed of government officials and representatives of civil organisations will be functioning by December, he added.

They will strengthen the country’s anti-corruption framework and transparency in the use of European Union funding, he said. One of the steps involves adopting regulations against conflict of interest not implemented in any other member state, he said. Lawmakers’ asset declarations will also be reformed, he said.

Hungary will also strengthen audit and control functions and amend regulations regarding crime connected with exercising public office and handling public funds, he said.

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Source: MTI