The mayor of Buduslău, Kócza István, a member of the UDMR (Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania), was caught in the act by prosecutors from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) while allegedly receiving a bribe of 150,000 lei (approximately €30,000). This sum was reportedly the final installment of a total bribe estimated at 200,000 lei .
Following the scandal, UDMR president Kelemen Hunor publicly demanded the mayor’s resignation and suspension from the party, stating that the party would take disciplinary measures. Kócza István responded by announcing he would present his version of events in court, though he did not provide further details . The case is being investigated by the EPPO, which specializes in prosecuting crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests.