The Prosecutor General has made it clear that he will not step down and intends to continue his work. In his first television interview, he spoke about his career and position, responding directly to Péter Magyar’s call for resignation.

Standing firm under pressure

In the ATV programme Egyenes Beszéd, Nagy Gábor Bálint stated unequivocally that he does not intend to comply with Péter Magyar’s demand and will remain in office. He stressed that his work as Prosecutor General is purely professional and not a matter of political involvement, according to SzeretlekMagyarország.

He put it as follows:

“I believe that the task of the Prosecutor General is not to appear in public, but rather to be something of a grey eminence.”

Throughout the conversation, he repeatedly emphasised that neither he nor his family have any political ties, adding that there have been no politicians in his family history and that his entire career has been built on legal professionalism.

No political pressure, he insists

One of the most contentious criticisms of the prosecution service in recent years has been the alleged lack of accountability in several sensitive cases. The Prosecutor General firmly rejected claims that any political pressure had been exerted on him or his colleagues.

Nagy Gábor Bálint noted that he was elected in June 2022, and therefore can only take responsibility for developments since then. He also said that even as a lower-ranking prosecutor he had never experienced interference in proceedings.

“No. I have not experienced anything like that at all,” he stated.

He further claimed that over the past year he has not received any requests or instructions to halt or alter proceedings involving political figures.

Reopening closed cases

A significant part of the interview focused on high-profile cases such as the Völner–Schadl affair and other previously closed investigations. He acknowledged that politically sensitive names had emerged in some cases, but insisted that decisions must be based solely on evidence.

He explained that investigations were halted in certain instances due to insufficient evidence.

However, he added:

“These can be reopened if the question is directed that way. Of course. Why not?”

According to him, new information could still emerge in the event of political change, potentially leading to further developments. He suggested that when “the system is shaken up”, it often triggers a rush of new information that may assist law enforcement.

He also revealed that there is already at least one case that has been reopened after previously being closed.

Previously, we reported on how the new PM would dismiss Fidesz government officials, here.

Surprising remarks on the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

One of the most unexpected statements of the interview was his open support for Hungary joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

He said this has long been his position:

“It has not just become clear to me now; this has always been my position, that we should indeed join it.”

The prosecutor general argued that such a step would not threaten national sovereignty and would make it easier to handle issues such as the use of EU funds.

He also expressed support for the creation of an asset recovery office, which he said could investigate unexplained wealth accumulation even where no criminal offence has been proven.

Independence of the prosecution service

The Prosecutor General firmly rejected suggestions that the prosecution service should be placed under the Ministry of Justice. He argued that across Europe, there is a clear trend towards increasing prosecutorial independence.

In his view, reducing the autonomy of the prosecution service would go against European rule-of-law standards and recommendations from bodies such as the Venice Commission.

He concluded by reiterating that he intends to continue his work, stating:

“I would like to continue this professional work. My entire activity throughout my life has been based solely on my profession.”

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