(ANSA) - BUDAPEST- The European Commission has suspended
payments to Hungary from the regional fund, over suspected
corrption and irregularities in the awarding of tenders.
This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Janos Lazar, who
added that the Hungarian Government is ready to play its part to
clarify whether any fraud or irregularity has occurred. Projects
totaling 451 million euros are under the spotlight. After the
inspections which were carried out last year, the EC pointed out
that projects and works were valued far above market prices.
As a result of this stop, the Hungarian Government had to
suspend the construction of a motorway, already funded by the
EU, and is likely to have to repay millions of euros to Europe,
if the ongoing investigation will confirm suspicions. The
suspension of funds is an unprecedented measure that heavily
affects Victor Orban's leadership. The Government is trying to
play down the importance of this case, pledging that no funds
will be wasted. ''Companies close to the Government and Fidesz,
with their fake prices, are charging Europe a lot more than they
should do, and are wasting billions due to corruption'',
according to daily newspaper Nepszabadsag. (ANSA).
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