Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Lázár noted that the European Union’s anti-fraud organisation (OLAF) had concluded an investigation into the metro project.

He also insisted that “an international leftist crime” had been committed. Lázár said the alleged criminal activities including fraud, corruption, cartelling and abuse of authority could have been committed by Budapest’s former Socialist and Free Democrat managers.

The minister said Hungary faces fines totalling 76.6 billion forints (EUR 249m) imposed by the European Commission due to the irregularities identified. He said he shared Budapest mayor István Tarlós’s position that any fine should be borne by the perpetrators.

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