The rapid-response unit of the Hungarian police is to take over the task of protecting the prime minister effective 9 May, Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar said on Facebook on Monday, adding that he had already notified the director of the anti-terrorism unit TEK, which had so far fulfilled the role.
Magyar informed Hajdu in phone call
“I have notified General János Hajdu, the director of TEK, that from May 9, the personal protection of the prime minister will be taken over by the rapid-response unit of the police,” Péter Magyar said.
TEK was founded by the second Orbán government in 2010. Before his nomination as director, Hajdu worked as Fidesz’s security chief.
According to Telex, Magyar informed Hajdu in a phone call about his decision concerning the TEK. Magyar did not say anything about the future of the body, which was once visited even by the late Chuck Norris.
Honest work, no personal protection
After the elections, Magyar said that he would not need personal protection because he had nothing to fear from anyone and wished to work towards a future where that would not be necessary. He expressed hope that under his governance, Hungary would be a place where no one who worked and lived honestly need fear for their safety. It seems that, as acting premier, his opinion has changed, although neither he nor the police have shared details of when and where they will protect the new Hungarian prime minister.
Based on a 1996 (secret) government decree, the Counter-Terrorism Office (TEK) was responsible for the personal protection of the prime minister, the president, the chief prosecutor, and the foreign minister, as well as all their relatives sharing their household. It was also responsible for protecting foreign VIPs. Of course, anyone can renounce personal protection in an official document.
If you missed our previous articles concerning the incoming Magyar government:
What’s next? Political scandals unfold in Hungary as arrests, corruption allegations and resignations mount
Government-close outlet Index posts correction over fake Tisza tax plan, Magyar demands front-page apology
