Hungary's New Government to Dismantle Controversial TEK, Impacting Banja Luka Office

The new Hungarian government, led by Peter Magyar, plans to dissolve the controversial Counter-Terrorism Center (TEK). TEK recently opened an office in Banja Luka. Draft laws suggest TEK will merge with the National Investigation Bureau. This change would remove TEK's main role of detecting terrorism. Its other duties include personal protection and arrests. Sources indicate TEK's name might change because it is seen as "politically burdened."

The Hungarian Interior Ministry stated the government wants law enforcement agencies to work fairly, transparently, and efficiently. They are reviewing areas of potential duplication. TEK was formed in 2010 by Viktor Orban's Fidesz party. Orban gave its leadership to his former bodyguard, Janos Hajdu. TEK was often called Orban's private army. It had a large budget and protected top officials, including Orban. Peter Magyar has stated he will not use TEK for his personal protection. Instead, the "Emergency Police" has protected him since May 9.