László Grespik, head of the Budapest public administration office, has been suspended by the Interior Ministry following his announcement that he intended to stand as a Parliamentary candidate at the forthcoming general elections.
Grespik (pictured above), who said he would represent the far-right Hungarian Justice and Life Party (MIÉP), rejected the reasons given by Interior Minister Sándor Pintér for the suspension, claiming they were "nonsense" and insisting he was legally entitled to make a bid for Parliament.
Interior Ministry spokesman Krisztina Könyves said Grespik’s suspension was due to the possibility of a conflict of interest arising from Grespik engaging in political activity while in public service.
"Dr Grespik has been suspended for compromising his position by commenting in the interest of a political party. This is a violation of Law XII, paragraph 5b, which covers the rights and responsibilities of Government members and
State secretaries," she said.
Civil servant in election row
Grespik said, "There has been a misunderstanding of legal definitions between the minister and myself."
According to Grespik, whose efforts to prevent foreigners purchasing property in Budapest surrounded him in controversy last year, his name was included on the MIÉP national list of candidates from January 19 according to proper procedures and he is therefore able to comment openly for the party.
"Law XXI, paragraph 5b states that a public servant may not take position in political party or may not act as a public figure in the interests of or the name of that party, except when participating in parliamentary or local municipality elections," he said.
He added that the dispute between himself and the Interior Ministry "a formality" which would soon be resolved.
Budapest Mayor Gábor Demszky (of the center-left Alliance of Free Democrats or SZDZS) told Hungarian news agency MTI, "If a conflict of duty is indeed the reason for the suspension, it would be wise for the individual who appointed Grespik, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to remove him from his post."
MIÉP leader István Csurka claimed Grespik’s suspension was another in a series of political attacks against the party.
"But this will change after April 7, when we will be sweeping up votes," he said.
Click here for the Source – Budapest Sun Online
01.02.2002