Hungarian MEP resigns over lockdown party

BRUSSELS: A conservative Hungarian MEP and close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban apologized on Tuesday ater Belgian police caught him fleeing a lockdown-busting party that local press described as an orgy.

Jozsef Szajer, who helped write Hungary’s constitution, resigned over the weekend for what he said were “personal reasons” but admited on Tuesday he had received a police caution and was found in possession of ecstasy.

Brussels prosecutors said that 20 men were caught at a city centre party on Friday and fined 250 euros each.

Aside from the MEP, two guests invoked diplomatic immunity. Local press called it a “sex party” in an apartment in a quarter of the historic centre known pre-lockdown for its gay bars.

Szajer, 59, made no reference to sexual activity and denied taking drugs or knowing about the ecstasy pill found on him, but he apologised to his family for breaking COVID-19 restrictions.

The Brussels prosecutor’s office said a suspect identified by Szajer’s birth year and initials was arrested ater a passer-by reported seeing a man “fleeing along the guter.”

“The man’s hands were bloody. It is possible that he may have been injured while fleeing,” the statement said.

“Narcotics were found in his backpack. The man was unable to produce any identity documents. A report was also drawn up for SJ for violation of the narcotics legislation.”

But there will be no prosecution unless the European Parliament is persuaded to waive the MEP’S immunity.

“I was present,” Szajer admited, in a statement distributed by his conservative political group the EPP.

“Ater the police asked for my identity — since I did not have ID on me — I declared that I was a MEP. The police continued the process and finally issued an official verbal warning and transported me home.

“I deeply regret violating the COVID restrictions, it was irresponsible on my part. I am ready to stand for the fine that occurs,” he said.