Hungary to restructure Counter Terrorism Centre and Parliamentary Guard

Significant restructuring of Hungary’s law enforcement agencies will take effect on October 1. The Counter Terrorism Centre (TEK) will cease to operate as an independent law enforcement body and will instead function under the direct command of the National Police Headquarters (ORFK), while retaining its name and national jurisdiction.

Simultaneously, the Parliamentary Guard will undergo a reorganization. Its personal protection duties will be transferred to the TEK, while its facility protection responsibilities will move to the Readiness Police. The Parliamentary Guard will continue to operate as an independent directorate within the Readiness Police, with staff maintaining their specific uniforms and salaries.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the reorganization aims to eliminate functional overlaps and unify professional management. In response to these changes, the Fidesz and KDNP parties have filed a request for a retroactive norm control review with the Constitutional Court. The ruling coalition argues that transferring the duties of the TEK and the Parliamentary Guard to the police under the current administration threatens national security and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts.