Peter Magyar accuses Hungary president before vote

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar accused President Tamas Sulyok of misusing public funds as he increased pressure before an expected parliamentary vote on removing Sulyok from office.

Magyar made the accusations in Facebook posts on July 11, saying Sulyok misused public money during official trips to Britain and the United States this year. The president's office did not immediately respond when contacted by AFP.

Magyar, a pro-EU politician who took office in May after defeating Viktor Orban, has sought to remove Sulyok, an ally of the former prime minister. Parliament was expected to vote on Sulyok's removal on the following Monday.

Magyar has tried to end Sulyok's term by amending Hungary's basic law. Legal experts have criticised the move, warning that it could harm the rule of law.

Magyar says his measures are meant to root out what he calls Orban's “mafia” from the state, restore good relations with the European Union and unlock 16 billion euros in EU funds frozen over rule-of-law concerns during the Orban era. Some political experts and rights groups have criticised the speed and scale of his actions.