Three years after Viktor Orbán took office as Hungary’s Prime Minister on May 29, 2010, Magyar Hirlap publishes a positive evaluation of his economic initiatives, arguing that his “unorthodox measures are effective”. According to the right-wing daily —
… the conservative government inherited "an economy in ruins", but Hungary is now on track to build a successful economic model [...] To avoid austerity measures, it has introduced a large number of new taxes, notably targeting multinationals which, until now, were making vast profits. [...] What is more, public debt has been significantly reduced in spite of the crisis.
For its part, Népszava deplores the "Fidesz party's frantic rush since taking power." The left-wing daily lists the measures that have marked "Orbánist governance", some of which are "contrary to the original Fidesz programme" —
… damaged relations with European Union, burgeoning unemployment [11.2 per cent of the workforce], the injustice of the flat rate for income tax, VAT raised to 27 per cent (the highest rate in Europe), cuts to public spending on health care, anti-constitutional laws...
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!