Hungary: Debate over lawyer accountability in public fund transactions

A professional debate has emerged in Hungary regarding the accountability of legal professionals involved in transactions using public funds. The discussion centers on how to balance the transparency of public spending with the protection of attorney-client privilege.

Lóránt Horváth argues that while there is a legitimate social demand for transparency in public fund mandates, the mandatory disclosure of legal opinions and background materials must be handled carefully to avoid premature reputational damage before personal responsibility is legally established. He emphasizes that public exposure should not serve as a social sanction that precedes formal investigations.

The debate also addresses the role of professionals—including lawyers, auditors, and accountants—who participate in the preparation and execution of transactions. A key question raised is how to encourage those who are familiar with illegal structures from the inside to assist in uncovering them and facilitating the recovery of assets. Horváth maintains that lawyers cannot participate in activities intended to circumvent the law, even when claiming to act in the interest of the state.