A heated debate in Hungary’s Parliament has birthed political controversy after Krisztián Kulcsár, an MP for the governing Tisza Party, apologised for making an offensive remark during a speech by Anna Lezsák of the Fidesz-KDNP alliance.

Although the alleged comment could not be heard on the official parliamentary broadcast, multiple MPs present in the chamber said Kulcsár directed an insult involving the Hungarian equivalent of “your mother” at Lezsák during Tuesday evening’s marathon debate on constitutional amendments.

Kulcsár was called on to apologise, which he later did from the parliamentary floor.

Kulcsár: “I was emotional”

Responding to the incident during the debate, Kulcsár said:

“I would like to apologise to MP Anna Lezsák. I was emotional. I apologise. I was emotional and, of course, I did not mean it literally. I’m sorry.”

According to 24.hu, Lezsák accepted the apology.

Speaking to Blikk, Lezsák said she had not initially understood exactly what had been said because she was concentrating on delivering her speech. She only became aware of the alleged remark after returning to her seat, when fellow MP István Apáti told her what witnesses claimed Kulcsár had shouted.

Tisza: “He admitted his mistake”

Asked by news outlet 444 whether Kulcsár should resign or face disciplinary action, the Tisza parliamentary group issued a brief statement defending its handling of the incident.

“Krisztián Kulcsár made a mistake during Tuesday evening’s parliamentary debate. He acknowledged his mistake and apologised. We trust that not only he, but every MP has learned from the incident.”

The party added that its goal remains to “renew parliamentary debate culture and restore its dignity.” The statement did not address what exactly Kulcsár had said or whether any internal sanctions would follow.

Fidesz calls for consequences

The incident prompted strong reactions from opposition politicians. Alexandra Szentkirályi said on social media that Kulcsár “has no place in the Hungarian Parliament”, arguing that his behaviour was incompatible with the standards expected of an elected representative.

szentkirályi alexandra budapest mayor candidate fidesz
Source: Facebook/Szentkirályi Alexandra

She also pointed out that Kulcsár, a former world and European champion épée fencer and former president of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, was well acquainted with the values of respect and sportsmanship but had failed to uphold them in Parliament.

Meanwhile, Fidesz MP Miklós Panyi described the alleged insult as unprecedented in Parliament and claimed Kulcsár had become unworthy of his parliamentary mandate.

During the debate itself, Csaba Latorcai of the KDNP also demanded that Kulcsár apologise, accusing him of insulting Lezsák’s family while she was speaking.

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