Hungary is joining the international Open Government Declaration, Bence Rétvári, Minister of State for Public Administration and Justice said. The purpose of the programme is to achieve transparent, effective and accountable government and to initiate commitments designed to facilitate measures against corruption with the cooperation of governments and the civil sector.

The document was originally signed by the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Norway, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines and the Republic of South Africa on 20 September 2011.

In consequence of signing the declaration, Hungary recognises the provisions thereof as binding. Following this, Hungary is required to create an action plan to be presented for a wide social debate. Independent reports will thereafter be prepared on the implementation of the action plan. Rétvári added that several organisations, including Transparency International, had previously urged Hungary to join the declaration.

The Government has recently approved an anti-corruption programme in public administration and has also decided on the measures necessary for its implementation. This is a major step forward in the fight against corruption as there had been no government-level anti-corruption programme in Hungary since the change of regime.

(kormany.hu)