Earlier on Monday the Socialist Party demanded that Human Resources Minister Zoltán Balog reveal “when and from whom” he had found out about Mengyi’s “dealings” and what sort of ministry investigation he plans to launch.

The human resources ministry rejected the Socialist Party’s accusations in a statement, saying that the party “is trying to smear the ministry citing press reports”.

The ministry said the bids for Social Renewal Operative Programme funds mentioned in 168 Óra’s article were rejected by the ministry.

Since there were no grant agreements signed, there was no way for the EU funds to be misused, the ministry argued. Mengyi himself also denied the accusations last week, saying that he would be willing to relinquish his immunity if it helps the investigation or if the prosecution request it.

Opposition LMP co-leader Bernadett Szél said last week that she would initiate a special session of parliament’s national security committee to listen to audio recordings police made during their investigation of the case.

Socialist lawmaker Balázs Bárány said the party would file a criminal complaint against Mengyi for abuse of office and fraud and demanded that the Fidesz MP resign with immediate effect. He added that his party would turn to the EU’s anti-fraud authority over the matter.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.