Hungarian govt: economy to bounce back after COVID crisis; comment on paedophile law

Fidesz’s parliamentary group sees the economy enjoying an unprecedented growth spurt, with 5.5 percent targeted, resulting in measures aimed to help ordinary Hungarians, the ruling party’s group leader said in a radio interview on Sunday.

Summing up Fidesz’s recent group meeting in Debrecen, Máté Kocsis said the relaunch of social life and the economy was a focal point of discussions.

The 1-1.5-month headstart given thanks the Hungary’s successful vaccination drive will add 1 percentage point to GDP this year, “giving us hope that we’ll be able to introduce a number of economic measures that are out of the ordinary”, he said.

With growth of 5.1 percent by the start of 2022, pre-crisis GDP levels would be reached, he said, adding that 5.5 percent would pay for lower taxes on labour, a higher minimum wage –

– the basic wage possibly hiked to 200,000 forints (€ 570) and the one for skilled workers to 260,000 forints — while income tax would be waived for the under-25s. Further, families would enjoy a tax refund, he said.

Orbán’s secret plan against the virus

Kocsis said the coronavirus pandemic had hit a strong Hungarian economy, meaning the recovery would be easier.

The coming years, he said, would be “dangerous”, characterised by epidemics and mass migration. Referring to the upcoming National Consultation public survey, he said this is why it was necessary to find out people’s opinions. Also, their voice would add legitimacy to Hungary’s position in the course of European debates.