Hungary's PM puts ally at top of central bank in place of critic

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Prime Minister Viktor Orban tightened his grip over Hungary's economy on Friday, putting a close ally in charge of the central bank in place of a critic of his go-it-alone economic policies, which have unnerved investors.

Orban's naming of Economy Minister Gyorgy Matolcsy to head the central bank follows an overhaul of the constitution and other moves that gave his ruling Fidesz party firmer control over the bank, media and courts, raising fears among some EU leaders that Hungary is sliding out of the European mainstream.