Socialist MEP outlines plan to help curb emigration

Socialist MEP István Újhelyi on Sunday presented a ten-point plan to help reduce the emigration of Hungarians.

Újhelyi told a press conference that he had consulted with Hungarians living and working abroad while putting together the proposal which he said he hoped would serve as a “national minimum” for curbing emigration.

The plan proposes the establishment of a state secretariat for emigration affairs, strengthening foreign representative offices, the launch of a rental housing scheme and a programme to promote real wage growth, he said. Further, the first degree for university students should be made tuition-free and the VAT on household internet services should be scrapped, Újhelyi added.

He also proposed setting up Hungarian language schools abroad, first of all in London.

Under the plan, Hungarian emigrants would be allowed to cast their votes by mail or electronically, Újhelyi added.