Jobbik seeks support among Fidesz MPs for residency bond probe

Budapest, March 20 (MTI) – The opposition Jobbik is seeking the support of Fidesz MPs, too, to establish a parliamentary committee to investigate whether the sale of “residency bonds” gives the governing party a material advantage, the deputy head of the party’s parliamentary group said at a press conference on Sunday.

Jobbik has collected enough signatures from the opposition to propose the committee, but a majority is required to see it established, which is why the party is asking the support of some MPs from the ruling party, too, said Gábor Staudt.

Citing press reports, Staudt said the matter of the residency bonds is “permeated with corruption” and suggested ties to Antal Rogán, the prime minister’s cabinet chief, and Árpád Habony, an informal advisor to government circles.

An investigative committee would determine whether the residency bond programme was established in an appropriate manner, whether it benefits the state, and why the task of selling the bonds was not given to Hungary’s missions abroad, he said.