How much money does Hungary spend on protecting politicians?

Protecting politicians who play an important part in a country’s life is essential for every nation worldwide. But how much does it cost? Our guess in advance: it is not cheap at all.

HVG reported that protecting Hungarian minister of foreign affairs Péter Szíjjártó is not an easy and cheap task for the government. Since July, Szíjjártó receives full protection, but it only turned out recently what exactly that entails.  The Counter-Terrorism Centre of Hungary hired fifty-one special policemen.

This means that these fifty-one officers keep an eye on Szíjjártó 24/7. This special protection is no exception when the politician has programmes which are part of his private life.

Ensuring his protection starts with investigating the locations Szíjjártó visits every day and estimating the danger factors. From the vehicle in which the politician arrives at the flat or hotel he stays in, his protection is secured.

In the second half of 2018, the Counter-Terrorism Centre was given 504 million HUF (1, 473 thousand EUR). From this money, 172 million HUF (503,000 EUR) was used for special equipment, 224 million HUF (655,000 EUR) for personal needs, and the rest of the money for travel arrangements.

Besides Szíjjártó, János Áder, Viktor Orbán, the speaker, and the prosecutor receive the same protection, but the Counter-Terrorism Centre only deals with the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs.

Featured image: Youtube

Source: www.hvg.hu