# Hungarian legal and rule of law debates > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-legal-and-rule-of-law-debates > Updated: 2026-10-30T14:57:47.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. A debate has emerged in Hungary regarding the accountability of legal professionals involved in transactions using public funds. The discussion focuses on balancing transparency in public spending with the protection of attorney-client privilege. Lóránt Horváth has argued that while there is social demand for transparency, the mandatory disclosure of legal opinions must be handled carefully to avoid reputational damage before legal responsibility is established. Following this, a group of lawyers and public figures, including former Member of Parliament András Schiffer, released an open letter titled “Ten Points of the Rule of Law Criminal Justice System.” The signatories expressed concern that fundamental legal guarantees are being endangered. The petition calls for authorities to uphold the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, criticizing the use of media scrutiny and handcuffs as tools for intimidation. The group further asserted that detention should only be used for genuine risks, such as flight or witness tampering, rather than as a preemptive punishment or a means to coerce confessions. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-30: Hungarian lawyers issue petition regarding rule of law principles Lawyers and public figures in Hungary have issued a ten-point petition calling for the protection of rule of law principles, specifically regarding the presumption of innocence and the necessity of detentions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-lawyers-issue-petition-regarding-rule-of-law-principles ### 2026-10-26: Hungary: Debate over lawyer accountability in public fund transactions Legal experts in Hungary are debating how to ensure transparency in public fund transactions while protecting attorney-client privilege and managing the accountability of professionals involved in such deals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-debate-over-lawyer-accountability-in-public-fund-transactions --- Cite as: Hungarian legal and rule of law debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-legal-and-rule-of-law-debates