Transparency International Refuses to Participate in Investigation of Alleged Sovereignty Interference
The Sovereignty Protection Office in Hungary has initiated specific investigations into the activities of Transparency International Hungary (TIM) and Átlátszó. Despite the refusal of cooperation from the organizations, the office has decided to continue its investigations, as reported by Mandarin.
According to the office, TIM is considered to be foreign-funded, with a significant portion of its annual budget coming from foreign sources. The office is required by law to investigate any organization that uses foreign funding to influence electoral outcomes. Transparency International Hungary has often been associated with political cases within the left-wing sphere, the office claims.
In response to the actions of the Sovereignty Protection Office, TIM has filed a constitutional complaint against the office and various provisions of the Sovereignty Protection Act, arguing that it is unconstitutional.
On June 25, the office also launched an investigation into Átlátszó. The portal’s publisher stated that they are not obligated to respond to the agency’s questions as they do not engage in activities aimed at influencing the electorate’s will through political campaigning.
The Sovereignty Protection Office defended its actions, stating that the ongoing investigations will proceed despite the lack of cooperation from the concerned organizations. They emphasized the need for additional legislation to strengthen Hungarian sovereignty.
In a related development, Gergely Gulyás, the minister responsible for the Prime Minister’s office, mentioned plans for a new regulation to enhance transparency in political parties and the media. The Sovereignty Protection Office is reportedly working on proposals to increase transparency in political lobbying organizations and media outlets funded from abroad.
Overall, the Sovereignty Protection Office remains committed to its investigations and efforts to safeguard Hungarian sovereignty, despite the challenges posed by the organizations under scrutiny.
