BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A Hungarian politician says 680,000 people have signed an appeal pressuring the government into joining a fledgling European anti-corruption body.

Independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy said Wednesday that joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office would help boost efforts to stop the misuse of EU funds in Hungary.

Hadhazy said the signatures represented "the will and exasperation of 680,000 angry people" against "the uncontrolled theft of EU funds."

So far, 22 of 28 EU members have joined the office, expected to become operational in late 2020.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government has cited the sovereignty of Hungarian prosecutors as a reason for not joining up.

Hadhazy said boxes full of signatures would be presented to Justice Minister Laszlo Trocsanyi and then destroyed in compliance with data protection laws.