A political dispute has erupted in Hungary after Prime Minister Péter Magyar published photos of the renovated headquarters of Hungary’s Supreme Court, the Curia, accusing its leadership of enjoying lavish, taxpayer-funded luxury while lower-ranking judicial staff remain underpaid.
The criticism triggered a sharp response from former minister Gergely Gulyás, who defended Curia president András Zs. Varga and accused the new government of attempting to influence Hungary’s independent judiciary.
Photos of marble bathrooms and gold ceilings spark controversy
The political row began after Magyar shared images from the Curia’s refurbishment on Sunday morning. According to reports, the photos showed gilded ceilings in the presidential office, marble-covered bathrooms, terraces overlooking the Hungarian Parliament building, and even a judges’ club featuring a bar counter.
The prime minister claimed the renovation had been carried out “in secret” using public money, while many employees working in Hungary’s justice system continue to struggle with low salaries and difficult working conditions.
Magyar also once again called on András Zs. Varga to resign.
Gulyás says Hungary remains a state governed by the rule of law
In a Facebook post, Gulyás strongly rejected the accusations and said Magyar had launched another “unworthy attack” against a respected public figure, following previous criticism aimed at President Tamás Sulyok and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ferenc Krausz.
The former minister argued that Hungary continues to operate under the rule of law and insisted that courts remain independent from the government. He also claimed that even the European Commission had acknowledged the independence of Hungary’s judicial system despite its broader disputes with previous Fidesz governments.
According to Gulyás, the attacks against the Curia’s president amount to an “unconstitutional attempt” by the new administration to bring the judiciary under political control.
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Kossuth Square reconstruction at centre of dispute
Gulyás stressed that the Curia renovation was not initiated personally by András Zs. Varga but formed part of the bigger reconstruction programme around Kossuth Square, a major symbolic and political centre in Budapest.
He added that the same redevelopment project also includes the György Szabad Office Building, where MPs from the ruling Tisza Party are expected to move after parliamentary office staff are relocated.
Gulyás accused the governing party of hypocrisy, saying the “luxury” criticised in the Curia project does not appear to trouble Tisza politicians when it concerns office space intended for their own use.
Gulyás concluded his statement by urging the new government to focus on governing rather than what he described as daily political agitation and social media campaigns targeting independent constitutional institutions.
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I don’t think anyone conflates criticism of flagrant overspending of public funds with interference in the judicial system just because it’s the Kuria that sanctioned the expenditure. If what Gulyas claims is true, if each Kuria judge was awarded a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce to commute to work the government and by extension the electorate would have no right to express their displeasure as that would amount to an attack on the independence of the judiciary.
On the subject of removing Fidesz appointed heads from state bodies (including the judicial system), we all know that the last 16 years bore witness to the party-faithful being parachuted into key positions who would ensure the erstwhile government would always be supported at critical junctures. Their ongoing tenure in office is untenable, retaining them until the expiry of their mandate is not an option. Fidesz won’t get far with this line of attack as every Tisza voter knew what they’re signing up for before the election and they’re fully supportive of these moves. I guess Gulyas is on the hook to say something credible otherwise they end up looking like 6 stone weaklings.
Érdekes megjegyzés, Dragá István.
Köszőnöm szépen.
Victor Mihaly. Orban and his Fidesz Government amended laws in 2020 – to allow Andras zs Varga appointment.
In order to appoint him, the FOURTH Orban Government – in 2020 – amended a LAW to appoint Mihaly v s Varga – who has NO Judicial experience – to head the curia, who was not supported by – the National Judicial Council.
On the 19th October 2020 – the National Assembly appointed Mihaly v s Varga as President of the Curia.
This “change of law” the POWER wielded in the Hungarian Judicial system by the Orban led Fidesz Government – this Andras v s Varga – is just one example of hundreds that over the course of (20) twenty years, the name Victor Mihaly. Orban and of Fidesz – they INTERFERED for the betterment of the Fidesz Political “machine” Party – in there control of the Hungarian Judiciary.
Peter Magyar our NEW Prime Minister and the “former” head of the Prime Ministers Office/Department – Gergely Gulyas – the yes, and yes and more YES man of the FALLEN humiliated, disgraced – former Prime Minister of Hungary – Victor Mihaly. Orban – his elevation through the “rank and file” of the Orban/Fidesz “regime” principally through being born with a “silver spoon in its mouth” a Father of influence – of wealth – influence within the Judiciary and “in-side” Fidesz – that “propelled” Gergely Gulyas – “up the ladder” to at END of Orbans DOWNFALL – being the Head of the Prime Ministers Office.
History – “on public record” we know of Gergely Gulyas – being a lover, big in practice of PROPAGANDA and in manipulation of Truth & Facts.
Gergely Gulyas – would stand comfortable “at ease” – he looks the part – amongst those “of friendship” on the balcony over-looking Red Square in Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations.
Gergely Gulyas and Peter Magyar – attended at same time reading Law at the Pazmany Peter Catholic University BUT “distanced” at friendship – at Law school – that carried over, when they both entered into Political life “in-side” – Fidesz.
Mihaly v s Varga – ironically – his years – his positions – his titles at Pazmany Peter Catholic University plus “other” hats he wears / titles muchly “of favour” granted HIM – through Victor Mihaly. Orban and the Fidesz Party – deserving of A.S A.P. = your resignation – Mihaly v s Varga.
When in DOUBT – now – NOW – is the time to CLEAN them out – remove them from there PRIVILAGED appointments through FAVOURS judged in FAVOUR of the Orban / Fidesz Party being the controllers of the Judiciary in Hungary – over the period in time past (20) twenty years.