Having regard to the fact that the socialist-led Hungarian government is pursuing a political campaign against the president of the Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority (PSZÁF) in order to influence its investigations into a certain case potentially implicating high-profile members of the current government,


• Noting with concern that this campaign seems to have gained a new impetus with the government introducing in Parliament an amendment to a related Act aiming at the removal of the president of PSZÁF,
  
  
• Considering the fact that the final vote on the amendment to the related act is due on the 15 December 2003,
  
  
• Reminding in this respect of the news reports on the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development being both concerned and vigilant as regards the independence of PSZÁF,
  
  
• Noting with serious concern that the president of PSZÁF himself fell victim to physical violence, committed by unknown perpetrators in the street a few months ago, only a day before the publication of a PSZÁF-resolution triggering investigations into certain illegal transactions,
  
  
• Having regard that the European Commission recently expressed its concern about the new legislation on the Financial Supervisory Authority in a letter addressed to the Hungarian Government,
  
  
• Pointing out that respecting the independence of institutions not under the direct supervision of the government is one of the basic pillars of the rule of law and democracy in the member states of the European Union,
  

The Presidency of the European People's Party:

1. expresses its concern about the attempt of the government to remove the leader of the Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority, an independent agency.
   
   
2. Calls upon the Hungarian Government to refrain itself from infringing upon the independence of institutions not under its direct supervision, with the aim of removing their leaders for political purposes.