Former development minister Seszták Miklós seeks testimony after parliamentary suspension of immunity
After the parliament voted to suspend his immunity, former minister Seszták Miklós entered the Central Prosecutor's Office to offer a statement, though he doubts he will be allowed to do so.
Following a unanimous parliamentary vote to suspend his immunity, KDNP lawmaker Seszták Miklós visited the Central Prosecutor's Office in Budapest to request the chance to testify. He explained that he had anticipated the suspension and reiterated that he has not committed any crime, dismissing the suspicion that he handled large sums via money couriers. Seszták indicated his desire to provide a statement, yet he expressed doubt that the prosecutor’s office will permit it before the suspension is formally recorded in the official gazette.
The suspension enables criminal proceedings in the corruption cases the prosecutor’s office identified last week, which could lead to a prison term of up to ten years if he is convicted. The allegations stem from his tenure as national development minister between 2014 and 2018, during which prosecutors claim he accepted substantial bribes from construction firms.
Why it matters
The suspension removes legal protection, allowing corruption charges against a senior politician to proceed.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the parliamentary suspension of immunity, the former minister's detention and his claim of innocence; Left-leaning coverage stresses his request to testify and procedural doubts, while right-leaning coverage stresses the unanimous vote and the seriousness of the corruption allegations.
LEFT
Focuses on Seszták’s proactive request to give testimony and his denial of wrongdoing amid the suspension process
RIGHT
Highlights the unanimous parliamentary vote and the severe billion-dollar corruption accusations while noting his claim of innocence
The left emphasises
- Seszták anticipated the suspension and sought to testify
- He reiterated he has not committed any crime
- The suspension enables criminal proceedings that could carry up to ten years in prison
The right emphasises
- Parliament voted unanimously to suspend his immunity
- He is accused of serious, billion-forint corruption crimes
- He claims innocence and voluntarily went to the prosecutor’s office to give a statement
How this story developed
- Sep 12 Government releases child-protection report warning the system is on the brink of collapse
- Sep 12 The government unveiled the report during a press event at the Kossuth Lajos Gyermekotthon.
- Sep 22 Hungary's deputy chief prosecutor has asked the parliament to lift immunity for MPs Magyar Péter, Hankó Balázs and Seszták Miklós over distinct alleged offenses.
- Sep 26 The parliamentary speaker received the prosecutor’s request and forwarded it to the Immunity Committee.
- Sep 28 Parliament voted to strip immunity from the prime minister and two former ministers.
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