Biggest opposition party wants VAT cuts, higher pensions, pro-NATO, pro-EU policies

The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) has submitted to parliament a draft resolution in response to the declaration submitted by the ruling parties earlier this week, a lawmaker of the party said on Thursday.

Criticising the draft resolution submitted by Fidesz and the Christian Democrats, DK deputy group leader Gergely Arató told an online press conference that his party’s proposal focused on the interests of the Hungarian people “and what a responsible government should do in the current situation”. Detailing the proposal, Arató said the VAT on basic foodstuffs and tax burdens on fuel must be cut to reduce inflation. He called for an end to “the utility bill disaster”, urging the reduction of network access fees and support for renewable energy along with energy efficiency upgrades. Also, the gas and electricity volumes households receive at regulated prices should be doubled, he added.

Pensioners should be compensated retroactively for not having received a pension hike last year, Arató said, calling for quarterly pension adjustments. He urged the introduction of a European minimum wage based on consultations with unions and employers. Meanhile, Arató called for the construction of battery plants to be halted and for legal guarantees that no new plants would be built without the necessary environmental impact studies and the consent of local communities.

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DK’s draft resolution also urges Hungary to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and calls for “the restoration of the rule of law” as well as the unlocking of European Union funds “that have been suspended due to government corruption”. Arató said Hungary should also reaffirm its commitment to its EU and NATO memberships. Fidesz reacted by saying DK’s announcement “means that they are pro-war”.

“Today’s announcement by [DK leader Ferenc] Gyurcsány’s party — if we understand correctly — means they do not support parliament’s approval of the pro-peace resolution,” Fidesz said in a statement. The party argued that because its draft resolution underlines Hungary’s commitment to peace and calls for urgent peace talks, DK’s opposition to it meant that “the dollar left … remains pro-war and in favour of weapons deliveries and sanctions”.

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Source: MTI