Volner: Probe starts into alleged graft around Budapest tram purchase

Volner, the head of the extra-parliamentary Volner Party, said that he had earlier filed a criminal complaint on suspicion of graft involved in the public procurement procedure. He insisted that he had evidence that the city management had “made prearrangements” with the public transport company of Frankfurt (VGF). Budapest leaders had selected the seller in advance, thus limiting “the freedom and transparency of competition, excluding other players”, Volner suggested.

Volner said he was outraged that Mayor Gergely Karacsony “wishes to buy trams scrapped in Germany, whereas the earlier leadership had purchased brand-new vehicles”.

Volner said his testimony in the case would be heard on November 24, adding that he would present “revealing documents” at the hearing.