Hungarian Political Drama: Rival Faces Legal Trouble

Hungary's chief prosecutor has requested the suspension of parliamentary immunity for MEP Peter Magyar, a key political rival of Prime Minister Orban. The prosecutor, an Orban supporter, alleges Magyar stole a cellphone and threw it into the Danube. Magyar's political party has garnered substantial support, positioning itself as a significant opposition force.

Hungary's chief prosecutor has called on the European Parliament president to suspend the parliamentary immunity of MEP Peter Magyar, the main political adversary of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The prosecutor's office made this announcement on Thursday.

Chief prosecutor Peter Polt, known for his allegiance to Orban and his past membership in the ruling Fidesz party, stated that Magyar allegedly confiscated the cellphone of a man recording him at a bar on June 21, subsequently discarding it into the Danube. The statement suggested that this act could be considered theft, though the device was later retrieved and returned.

Magyar and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola's office did not respond to Reuters' inquiries immediately. Magyar, who emerged in the political arena in February, leads a centre-right party backed by 39% of likely voters, trailing closely behind Orban's Fidesz at 43%, per a September poll. The lawyer-turned-politician has been critical of Orban's administration, accusing it of corruption and mobilizing large-scale protests. His party achieved nearly 30% of the votes in the June European Parliament elections, securing seven seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)