Hungary Elects Anna Unger to Lead Asset Recovery Agency

The parliament of Hungary elected political science professor Anna Unger as president of the National Asset Recovery Agency on Friday. The agency was established by Prime Minister Peter Magyar to investigate and prosecute the misappropriation of funds during Viktor Orban's 16-year tenure, which the Integrity Authority estimates cost the country 60 trillion forint.

Unger's appointment has sparked controversy due to her lack of legal training and practical anti-graft experience, as well as a lack of transparency in the selection process. During her hearing, Unger stated that expecting appellate court convictions within her six-year term would be "silly."

In response to Unger's comments, Peter Magyar announced that his government would introduce legislation to expedite these cases. The National Asset Recovery Agency is designed as a centralized body combining the powers of prosecutors, police, financial investigators, and civil litigators to cleanse what Magyar describes as a "mafia state."