The Hungarian parliament voted 139 to zero on a special session day to strip Prime Minister Péter Magyar of his parliamentary immunity following a formal request from prosecutors. Magyar faces an active criminal investigation stemming from a June 2024 incident in a Budapest club, where prosecutors allege he took a man’s mobile phone and intentionally threw it into the Danube River, qualifying the act as theft.
Parliamentary Vote and Prosecutor Request
Lawmakers in Budapest convened for the special session to evaluate the prosecution’s request submitted Tuesday. The motion to lift the immunity passed with 139 votes in favor and zero opposing votes or abstentions. Magyar holds both the office of prime minister and a seat as a member of parliament, necessitating the legislative vote before investigators can proceed further with the criminal case.
Details of the June 2024 Budapest Club Incident
The criminal inquiry centers on an altercation at a Budapest nightclub in June 2024. According to case details outlined by the prosecutor’s office, the investigation was renewed after authorities concluded that taking a citizen’s recording device and casting it into the Danube River constitutes potential theft. Magyar publicly addressed the matter ahead of the vote, stating in a Facebook video published Tuesday that he urged the legislature to approve the waiver immediately.
Response from Prime Minister Péter Magyar
Magyar asserted that he accepts full responsibility for his actions and welcomes the opportunity to cooperate fully with investigators. The prime minister maintained that the episode involving the mobile phone was a deliberate provocation orchestrated by the former Hungarian government.
Common Questions Regarding the Immunity Waiver
Why did the Hungarian parliament vote on Péter Magyar’s immunity?
Lawmakers voted to strip his parliamentary immunity so that prosecutors can proceed with an investigation into an alleged theft incident.
What specific allegation does the investigation examine?
Prosecutors are investigating an event from June 2024 where Magyar allegedly took a man’s phone in a Budapest club and threw it into the Danube River.
How did Péter Magyar respond to the prosecution’s request?
Magyar published a video on Facebook urging parliament to lift his immunity immediately, stating he takes responsibility and will cooperate with investigators.