Government’s regular press briefing – Lazar on scrapping fees, stamp duties, Paks, Connie Mack
Budapest, October 1 (MTI) – Government office chief Janos Lazar told a regular press briefing on Thursday that he would propose to lawmakers scrapping a number of fees and stamp duties from January 1, 2016.
The bill would scrap stamp duties and fees for the replacement of official documents, vehicle registration, registries, certificates of incorporation, tax certificates, building permits, certificates showing no prior criminal convictions, property deeds and higher education admissions procedures.
Lazar told the briefing that earlier this week he had held talks on the planned expansion of the Paks nuclear power station in Brussels. He said he met European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager and asked her to conclude with urgency the review of the Paks project from the point of competition rights. The commissioner, who has 60 days for the review, presented a constructive approach, Lazar said. The review will assess whether there is any prohibited state support involved in the Paks construction project, he added. This is the third procedure in Brussels connected to Paks and once concluded, there will be only one review left which will be on public procurement, Lazar said.
In response to a question about the appointment of Connie Mack to public advocate for Hungary in the US, Lazar said Hungary wants to have a similar person representing the Hungarian cabinet’s position in Germany, too.
In connection with the emissions scandal, he said it is incumbent on the government to draw up an action plan to strengthen the economy in the wake of the VW scandal. Cooperation is needed with the Audi plant in Gyor, in western Hungary. Lazar said he did not expect lay-offs but the company group’s contribution to Hungary’s economic growth could be expected to decline.
In the wake of the VW scandal, it is necessary to assess whether the 2016 budget figures can be fulfilled or not, he added.
Government office chief Janos Lazar has ordered an immediate investigation into the Government Control Office (KEHI) in connection with road construction contracts in Hungary. The investigation will be launched in wake of findings from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Lazar told a regular government press briefing on Thursday. OLAF’s report found discrepancies in connection with investments run by Kozgep and other companies which call for clarification, Lazar said. The government will give assistance to OLAF in its endeavours, Lazar said.
Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters
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