Central bank governor György Matolcsy has filed a civil lawsuit against opposition Socialist MP György Bárándy for impugning his integrity, the bank said on Tuesday. Matolcsy is demanding 1 million forints compensation, citing his right to protect his personal reputation. At a plenary session in Parliament, Bárándy accused Matolcsy of stealing. The bank said the accusation goes beyond the bounds of freedom of expression. Matolcsy has asked the Metropolitan Court to establish that a legal violation was committed. He also wants Bárándy barred from impugning his reputation in future. Bárándy asked Matolcsy a question in Parliament on May 17 and then made the accusation of stealing. The central bank said his statements are part of a political campaign to weaken the bank, and Matolscy continues to reject all party political pressure to violate or restrict the independence of the bank. Bárándy said the lawsuit is proof that Matolscy “is afraid” the Socialists “will uncover and expose the abuses going on at the central bank”. He said Matolcsy fears he will have to explain “how his relatives were able to get a hold of billions of forints” in central bank funds under his tenure as governor. The lawsuit was “a pathetic move made to intimidate” opposition MPs.
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