28-04-2011

MMKA fined for avoiding procurement

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    BUDAPEST: The embattled Hungarian Motion Picture Foundation (www.mmka.hu) has been fined 2 million HUF for avoiding procurement on several activities where it should have asked for a tender. The MMK has been under investigation for nearly a year. The MMK's own board ordered audits soon after taking over nearly a year ago to assess the organisation's financial position.

    But since September 2010 the organisation has been under investigation by the Hungarian government. First the Ministry of National Resources (www.kormany.hu/en) ordered an analysis of the MMK, then the government Audit Office (www.kehi.hu) launched an investigation into possible irregular or illegal activities.

    The government has said it wants to transform the Foundation into a non-profit business organization or possibly close it while Hungarian film professionals see the investigations as part of this process.