Have your say! Hungary’s new National Consultation on wages, business, and housing
The Hungarian government is launching a new economic consultation to engage the Hungarian people in shaping economic policies that address the needs of various social groups.
According to 24.hu, the consultation aims to improve financial stability for families, gradually raise wages, and strengthen the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hungary. The consultation comprises 11 questions covering key issues such as economic independence, the business climate, housing, and pensions.
Source: Pixabay
The questions in the consultation
The initial questions address trade neutrality, which the government emphasises in light of recent sanctions from Brussels. It argues that maintaining autonomy in economic decision-making is essential for achieving growth rates above the EU average.
In terms of economic policy, the government proposes a clear path that not only incorporates EU recommendations but also balances Western and Eastern European economic models to create principles unique to Hungary. Support for SMEs is central to the consultation, as the government regards them as the engine of the domestic economy. Planned initiatives include direct capital support to help local businesses stabilise and compete with large global corporations.
Regulation of multinationals is another priority, as there are concerns that they often leverage their market power to set prices unilaterally. The government aims to ensure fair market practices to protect both the Hungarian economy and consumers.
The consultation also proposes updates to the wage increase programme, which the government believes will provide stable, predictable growth for workers. The aim is to achieve wage adjustments based on economic growth, with both minimum and average wages rising over time. New measures are also proposed for young people entering the labour market, such as interest-free loans to enhance financial stability early in their careers.
On housing, the government plans to offer tax incentives to companies that assist with employees’ housing costs. It also intends to expand support for young people by increasing housing allowances and building more dormitories, all backed by low-interest housing loans.
For the older population, the government intends to continue the thirteenth month of pension payments, despite differences with Brussels, to improve the financial security of Hungarian pensioners. Family support initiatives include increased child tax credits, which the government views as a more effective response to demographic challenges than Brussels’ migration-focused approach.
On migration, the government advocates an independent policy outside the EU’s current system, rejecting fines for non-participation and seeking to avoid migration penalties.
Previous consultations
The government’s national consultations have faced significant criticism in recent years. Opposition politicians, independent media, and many citizens argue that these consultations do not genuinely seek public input on substantial decisions. Past topics have included consultations on LGBTQ issues and migration. However, the government has notably refrained from holding national consultations on major projects like the Paks 2 nuclear power plant and the Budapest-Belgrade railway line.
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5 Comments
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
I wonder how many Hungarians are going to vote against a wage increase. Other than possibly raising the minimum wage, in Orbanistan is Fidesz going to force employers to pay more to their employees by some kind of diktat? Are unicorns and fairies coming to Hungary?
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
As if the Fidesz government gives a … about your opinion. They are just asking the right questions to get the right answers, and if you don´t give them the answers they want, who is gonna check. Just publish already what are the results of this “consultation”. You have the “results” made up already anyway.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
The usual suspects are, with tedious predictability, dumping on this initiative. I applaud it. Our government is asking for its citizens’ views, rather than imposing agenda set by foreign politicians and billionaire (megalo)maniacs, as happens in other Western countries.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
This is a Double Sword Act by the Orban – Fidesz Government.
The use of this term in vocabulary refers to an outcome that can be both positive and negative.
Factually, we know the Mess and growing CHAOS – that after 15 years in Government the Orban – Fidesz Goverment have DELIVERED to the citizens of Hungary.
It WILL WORSEN.
The Double Edge Sword – will result in a Mammoth – NEGATIVE for this “Failed” – Orban led – Fidesz Government of Hungary.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Michael Steiner they have had 15 years to consult citizens.
WHY now Because they are in there “Darkest Hours” heading for a massive downfall.