Fidesz has proposed the launching of a national consultation to the government on topics including economic neutrality, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, wage increases, workers’ credit, housing, and family support—the parliamentary faction leader of the governing party announced on Monday.
Máté Kocsis, speaking during a break in the two-day Esztergom off-site faction meeting of Fidesz–KDNP, explained that the central topic of the discussion is the state of the economy. The faction is unified in its belief that new tools and economic solutions are needed in the post-Covid and post-war economic situation to ensure Hungary’s continued success, he added. ‘At present, Hungary’s economic outlook is favourable, and this provides a solid foundation for introducing measures that will further strengthen the economy and benefit the population,’ he said. However, ‘the bad news is that simultaneously, the EU leadership is essentially engaging in a trade cold war, isolating itself from the economies and trade of the East.’
Máté Kocsis emphasized that Hungary’s neutrality, in contrast, is best served not by isolation but by openness towards both the East and West. Hungary must not sever its ties with either, as this will ensure the country’s growth. Fidesz believes, the parliamentary leader continued, that this is the right direction, but since these are crucial issues, in which public opinion is always sought, Fidesz is proposing a national consultation to the government. Máté Kocsis outlined that, first and foremost, the public must be asked whether they agree with the economic isolation represented by Brussels’ leadership, or whether Hungary should ‘open up to both Eastern and Western trade and economic directions’. The public must also be consulted on the support for small and medium-sized enterprises, a key governmental objective that aims to assist domestic SMEs through capital provisions and new tools.
‘The EU leadership is essentially engaging in a trade cold war’
Additionally, the public must be asked about wage increases, which would require a new agreement with employers, and work must begin ‘using all possible tools’ to ensure that the minimum wage reaches 400,000 forints in the foreseeable future, and the average wage reaches 1 million forints.
Kocsis acknowledged that while this may seem unattainable to many, it is a completely realistic goal. He also noted that the public would be consulted on workers’ credit, specifically the possibility of offering interest-free, freely usable loans to young people entering employment. Housing would also be among the topics in the national consultation. He added that the government would aim to create affordable new housing, such as dormitories, and support young people in purchasing their first homes with state-subsidized loans at very favourable interest rates.
There would also be questions on family support, Kocsis said, which remains a contentious issue in Hungarian domestic politics, as not only do the Hungarian right and left disagree, but the Hungarian government and the European Commission are also at odds on this matter. He noted that the government would assist Hungarian families by doubling the family tax credit, but ‘additional family support measures could also be considered.’ In response to questions, Máté Kocsis expressed hope that the government would consider the faction’s proposal for a national consultation at this week’s meeting. He also said that the national consultation is necessary primarily due to the anticipated debates. ‘A stable position from the public is needed,’ because these measures ‘will not be met with applause in Brussels.’
Furthermore, achieving the targeted wages would also impose goals and burdens on employers, making it crucial that the public express their opinions on the matter, Kocsis concluded.
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