2021 budget aimed to maintain medical preparedness, boost economic growth, says minister

The government has two key aims with next year’s budget, to maintain the state of medical preparedness in view of the novel coronavirus epidemic and to support economic growth as much as possible, Finance Minister Mihály Varga told public Kossuth Radio on Sunday morning.

Varga called the government’s economic support measures essential, as in his opinion no substantial growth can be expected without them, as in the 2000s, when the Hungarian economy was almost stagnating despite the upward trend of the European economy at the time.

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He noted that the 2021 budget approved on Friday envisages 4.8 percent growth while the general government deficit will be 3 percent again and the government debt will fall below 70 percent.

The minister said the growth will make it possible to spend more on public safety, education and health care next year while the resources necessary for the coronavirus response efforts will also be available.

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Varga noted that the government remains committed to supporting families raising children as well as the elderly.

Source: MTI