# Várhelyi caught calling MEPs 'idiots'

Date: 2023

In February 2023 Commissioner [Olivér Várhelyi](/people/oliver-varhelyi), after answering a question from Croatian MEP Tomislav Sokol in the European Parliament, left his microphone on and asked in Hungarian how many more idiots there were. He later apologised, saying the remark came from a private conversation; Hungary's [Democratic Coalition](/organizations/democratic-coalition) demanded his resignation and MEPs called for an inquiry.

## People

- Olivér Várhelyi: https://factrail.ai/people/oliver-varhelyi

## Sources

- https://hvg.hu/eurologus/20230215_Bocsanatot_kert_Varhelyi_Oliver
- https://nepszava.hu/3185207_varhelyi-oliver-europai-parlament-bocsanatkeres-vizsgalat-hulye
- https://telex.hu/english/2023/02/15/how-many-more-idiots-are-there-hungarian-eu-commissioner-at-the-ep
- https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-oliver-varhelyi-ursula-von-der-leyen-commissioner-called-meps-idiots-now-they-want-him-out/

## Methodology

https://factrail.ai/methodology

Canonical: https://factrail.ai/facts/varhelyi-idiots-remark-2023-02