The Hungarian government has opened a new website – Anti-lop – aimed at harnessing public support in order to tackle the problem of corruption in the country, in particular with regard to the use of EU funding.

The site was launched by Gordon Bajnai, Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who invited citizens to use the site to report any incidences that may come to their attention concerning irregularity or abuse in connection with EU funding.

Anyone may file a report through the new site. All that is needed is a valid email address, no name or registration is required. When a report is filed, the person concerned will receive a registration number that appears on the web page. In general, a case is investigated within 30 days, but if it requires more time the person reporting the case will be informed of this after 15 days.

The minister acknowledged complaints that the site encouraged Hungarians to ‘snitch’ on each other but commented that “this may well be, but we have to choose between whether we are more afraid of this, or of Hungary losing people’s trust”, adding “it is in the interest of the country to ensure maximum transparency”.

Bajnai pointed out that Hungary is about 40th in the world ranking list of Transparency International and noted that he would like to improve this ranking by ten places. He further noted that the best antidote against corruption is publicity, transparency and easily understood regulations.

Further information:

• PRIM online news (in Hungarian) 
• Anti-lop website (in Hungarian) 
• Transparency International