Published: 5.6.2015
Socialist MEP István Ujhelyi has turned to the European Commission (EC) for an explanation of its decision in mid-April to freeze the remittance of development funds to Hungary, citing Fidesz’s unapproved transformation of the subsidy management system. Ujhelyi has asked why payments were stopped, when they will resume and when Hungary last submitted and received payments on an invoice for European Union development grants.
When the national development office NFÜ was wound up at the end of last year, the oversight of EU development fund administration was given to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where Chancellor János Lázár would oversee HUF 8.3 trillion worth of development funds. It was soon reported that the party strongman had fallen out with Budapest mayor István Tarlós and had personally ensured there would be no public transport developments in the capital during the EU’s 2014-20 budget period. Lázár gave priority to the construction of a tramline connecting Szeged and his home town of Hódmezővásárhely, however.
Opposition party Together-Dialogue for Hungary meanwhile demanded Lázár’s resignation and the restoration of the NFÜ. The PMO says the EC has transferred a total of €1.3 billion in 30 payments to Hungary since April 15. However this figure does not refer to development funds.
Speaking in Brussels, Ujhelyi told reporters that “Hungarian businesses should not be penalised thanks to the government’s unscrupulousness and ignorance,” adding that the Hungarian government is expected to observe European rules of transparency and fair procedure.
budapestbeacon.com – 07.23.2014