Peter Magyar accuses Orban's government of destroying sensitive documents before leaving power
Hungary's incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said on Friday he had information that sensitive documents from Viktor Orban's administration were being destroyed and called on citizens to report any such facts before he takes office, Reuters reports.
Magyar's Tisza party — which won a landslide victory in Sunday's election, ending right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year rule — announced it has created an online platform where whistleblowers can submit information anonymously.
“Anyone who participates in such criminal activities will answer to the law after the formation of the new government,” Magyar said in a message posted on Facebook on Friday. He is expected to be sworn in on May 9 or 10, when the new parliament in Budapest convenes. Tisza obtained a two-thirds supermajority in the elections, which ensures the possibility of adopting constitutional amendments.
Magyar added that Tisza has received reports that documents are being destroyed in ministries, government institutions, including the National Magistrate's Office, as well as companies that prospered during Orban's rule.
A government spokesman and spokespeople for the National Magistrate's Office did not immediately respond to Reuters emailed requests for comment.
Magyar has promised to investigate Orban-era fraud
“The destruction of evidence affects the Hungarian state and may make possible further investigations impossible,” Magyar said.
On Monday, just a day after winning the election, Magyar accused Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto of personally destroying documents related to European Union sanctions against Russia before the change of government.
“They're destroying documents, and that's not going to help them,” Magyar said, adding that the situation was reminiscent of attempts to eliminate public records “like in the old communist era.” He said that the information was passed on to him by an “insider” in the Hungarian MFA.
Peter Magyar has vowed to launch a broad anti-corruption campaign after taking office as part of wider efforts to unblock billions of euros in funds frozen by the European Union, which has accused Orban of undermining democracy.
Viktor Orban has consistently denied any allegations of wrongdoing and said Hungary is no more corrupt than other European countries.
In an interview on Thursday, the veteran leader said extensive media reports about the fortunes amassed by businessmen close to his Fidesz party likely contributed to his defeat. He did not comment on the accuracy of these accounts.
