A small demonstration was held in front of Hungary’s Parliament on Saturday over the Tisza government appointment of Anna Unger as head of the National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office (NVVH).
A protest was organised over the new leader of the asset recovery office
The protest, organised by Tisza supporter André Nyerges, was announced just one day after Parliament elected Unger to lead the newly established authority. The demonstration was billed as being “for the National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office, Miklós Ligeti and the political transition”.
Nyerges argued that the appointment of Unger represented a serious threat to Hungary’s political transition, claiming that the selection resulted from behind-the-scenes agreements. He said politicians needed to be held accountable, referring to previous remarks by Tisza leader Péter Magyar about the role of the party’s supporters in scrutinising politicians.
Unger elected with 137 votes
Parliament elected Unger, a political scientist by training, as head of the NVVH on Friday with 137 votes in favour, seven against and one abstention. Her nomination had previously been approved by Parliament’s Justice Committee following hearings of the candidates. Within the Tisza delegation, Márton Melléthei-Barna was the only member of the committee to vote against Unger’s nomination.
Melléthei-Barna later explained that he had wanted a legally qualified person to head the office. Prosecutor Katalin Tasnády was appointed as deputy head responsible for investigations. The decision caused controversy among some Tisza supporters, many of whom had backed Miklós Ligeti, legal director of Transparency International Hungary, for the position.
Protest attracts limited turnout
As HVG.hu reported, the demonstration was scheduled to last around 30 minutes. Fewer than 500 people had indicated their intention to attend on Facebook shortly before it began.
Nyerges later said on the event’s Facebook page that another, unnamed demonstration had allegedly been organised at the same time, making it difficult to determine which event some participants had intended to attend. He expressed disappointment at the turnout and argued that the political system had been able to avoid visible consequences despite the controversy.
Stay up-to-date: What’s the public’s problem with Unger? PM Magyar responded strongly to critics of Hungary’s new asset recovery chief
Government defends appointment process
The appointment also prompted criticism from some Tisza and Fidesz supporters. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán responded in a video message, arguing that the head of an important government institution should not be selected through a popularity contest or “reality show”, but through a professional concept and a strictly regulated selection process.
Following her appointment, Unger sought to address concerns about the new office in an interview, saying its focus would be on locating and securing assets while operating within the framework of the rule of law. The dispute over her appointment has nevertheless exposed divisions among Tisza supporters, with some questioning the decision to overlook Ligeti and others defending the parliamentary selection process.
