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News in Brief

Hungary has the most vaccines in the EU per capita

Feb 19, 2021

Gergely Gulyás also urged people to take part in the government’s National Consultation survey to gauge people’s opinions on how and when to relax restrictions.

News in Brief

Government to introduce certificates of immunity from Covid

Feb 12, 2021

The certificate will be issued to people who have received the second shot of the vaccine, indicating the date on which the second jab was administered.

News in Brief

Hungary to take delivery of China’s Sinopharm vaccine next week

Feb 12, 2021

More than 30 million people have so far been inoculated with the Sinopharm vaccine worldwide, including ethnic Hungarians living in Serbia.

News in Brief

Government speeds up payments of wage subsidies to companies

Feb 12, 2021

Employers have applied for a total HUF 40 billion, of which the government offices so far approved nearly HUF 36 billion and paid out HUF 35.5 billion.

News in Brief

Gergely Gulyás calls EU request to reform Hungarian public procurement law “fake news”

Feb 09, 2021

The Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said it is fake news that the European Commission expects Hungary to amend its public procurement law.

News in Brief

Government to launch National Consultation on coronavirus restrictions during week of Feb. 15

Feb 08, 2021

Gergely Gulyás said that if current trends continue, the restrictions may be eased in two steps, on March 1 and a month later.

News in Brief

Gulyás: EU's vaccine procurement is "sluggish"

Jan 29, 2021

Gergely Gulyás said that due to the European Union’s sluggish procurement procedure, EU-bought vaccines will not suffice for mass inoculation.

News in Brief

Hungary marks Holocaust Memorial Day

Jan 28, 2021

Hungary's government is equipped to protect Hungarian Jews, human dignity and freedom of religion.

News in Brief

Gulyás slams the European Medicines Agency for slow vaccine licensing

Jan 22, 2021

Vaccine supplies to the EU are “clearly insufficient,” Gulyás said, noting that mass vaccination was already under way in Israel, the US, the UK and in several Arab countries.

News in Brief

Gulyás: EPP in leadership crisis

Jan 15, 2021

Gergely Gulyás said the European People’s Party is suffering a leadership crisis, recording its worst performance of the past twenty years in the latest European parliamentary elections.

News in Brief

Restrictions are set to stay in place on New Year’s Eve

Dec 29, 2020

Gergely Gulyás recently echoed that the current regulations will stay in place on New Year’s Eve.

News in Brief

EU talks a 'great success' for Hungary

Dec 11, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said the Hungarian government’s aim had been clear throughout the talks: the EU support must not be made conditional on rule-of-law criteria.

News in Brief

Gulyás congratulates RMDSZ on Romanian election success

Dec 11, 2020

Gergely Gulyás congratulated the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) and its leader for achieving good results “in an extremely difficult and completely unique situation”.

News in Brief

Gulyás: Payment of EU funds must not be linked to conditions during pandemic

Dec 09, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said the time was not right for “unnecessary debates on immigration and gender issues” but aid must be granted to countries in need.

News in Brief

EC migration plan 'shocking' given that it coincides with battle against pandemic and budget talks

Dec 04, 2020

Gergely Gulyás noted that the European Commission published a migration action plan last week, which he described as “shocking”, given that it coincided with the battle against pandemic and budget talks.

News in Brief

Special coronavirus-related rules may apply during the Christmas period for family get-togethers

Dec 02, 2020

Gergely Gulyás told a parliamentary committee hearing that the rules will be decided either at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday or on Dec. 9 at the latest.

News in Brief

Gulyás urges ethnic Hungarians living in Romania to vote in the country’s general election

Nov 30, 2020

Gergely Gulyás emphasized the importance of securing the strongest possible representation for the ethnic Hungarian community in the Romanian parliament.

News in Brief

Soros calls for financial sanctions against countries that refuse to take in migrants

Nov 20, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, said Hungary “cannot accept any form of lecturing” from American-Hungarian financier George Soros.

News in Brief

Gulyás clarifies government’s move to ban single people from adopting a child

Nov 13, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, has clarified the government’s recent move to ban single people from adopting a child, with minor exceptions.

News in Brief

Gulyás: Election law change was “justified and necessary”

Nov 13, 2020

The changes were aimed at ensuring that only those parties that can field at least fifty individual candidates would receive central financing.

News in Brief

Hungary's health services are ready for peak of the second wave

Nov 13, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, the prime minister’s chief of staff, said the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic is “more serious” than the first.

News in Brief

Special legal order helps Hungary fight COVID-19

Nov 05, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, said fighting the coronavirus epidemic requires "quickness and an ability to respond".

News in Brief

Hungary will secure swiftest possible access to the coronavirus vaccine

Oct 23, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said Hungary has signed up for all European Union research programs and has secured 6.5 million doses of the vaccine at a cost of HUF 13 billion (EUR 35.7m).

News in Brief

Head of PM’s Office criticizes German Foreign Minister for “wanting to inflict pain on Poland and Hungary"

Oct 13, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said that we have similar experiences from the past century. It would be advisable to avoid this imperial tone.

News in Brief

Protecting jobs and families and supporting businesses remains a priority for the Hungarian government

Oct 09, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said Hungary’s economic protection scheme has been among the most successful in terms of the job market, with the unemployment rate showing a much better trajectory than in the European Union.

News in Brief

Hungary and Austria take similar measures to halt the coronavirus epidemic

Sep 16, 2020

“It is a shared view that the tasks are the same: to protect the health of the people and ensure the operation of the country,” Gergely Gulyás said.

News in Brief

Government launch career scheme at public service university

Sep 04, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister Office, and Justice Minister Judit Varga launched a career program at Budapest’s National Public Service University (NKE) on Thursday.

News in Brief

Hungary to close its borders to foreigners from midnight tonight

Aug 31, 2020

Starting on September 1, the government is re-introducing the border protection measures in force during the first wave of the coronavirus epidemic.

News in Brief

Ministers home quarantine after coming into contact with COVID-19 infected person

Aug 28, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister's Office, and his deputy Balázs Orbán, went into quarantine on Wednesday.

News in Brief

Gulyás: Our country is in better shape than our continent

Aug 19, 2020

When marking the national holiday celebrating Hungary’s statehood it is important to acknowledge that “all things considered our country is in better shape than our continent."

News in Brief

Gulyás: Number of active coronavirus infections in Hungary is stagnating at around 500-600

Aug 03, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said measures such as stepping up checks of foreign nationals entering the country or assigning countries to risk categories based on infection numbers have proved effective.

News in Brief

Government to maintain current level of restrictions to prevent second wave

Jul 31, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, the Prime Minister's chief of staff, said changing the current restrictions would be risky and the government wants to avoid this.

News in Brief

Hungarian government committed to upholding press freedom

Jun 26, 2020

Gergely Gulyás underlined the importance of a diverse media landscape, saying that he believed Hungary had greater media diversity than western European countries.

News in Brief

August 20 national holiday celebrations may go ahead

Jun 26, 2020

The Hungarian government is considering relaxing restrictions on holding large-scale events from the middle of next month.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: State of epidemiological preparedness declared for six months

Jun 19, 2020

Shopping times reserved for elderly people will be discontinued but rules on wearing masks will be maintained.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: Hungary’s protective measures during the first phase of the coronavirus epidemic were “successful and effective”

Jun 05, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said Hungary has been more successful in protecting against the epidemic than any western European country, noting the state of emergency is scheduled to be lifted from June 16.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: Law on epidemiological preparedness contains clearly established rules

May 28, 2020

Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, has said Hungary has managed to control the spread of the coronavirus, and is one of the few countries where large-scale illnesses did not occur.

Blog

Gergely Gulyás: Epidemiological preparedness remains

May 28, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“Hungary has managed to control the spread of the virus, and it is one of the few countries where a period of large-scale illness did not occur,” said Gergely Gulyás today at the Government Info briefing. After the summits on Monday and Wednesday, the government discussed the 2021 budget and bills concerning life after the coronavirus.

Blog

Gergely Gulyás on the European Court of Justice’s new ruling on immigration: It’s dangerous for all of Europe

May 21, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

The transit zone will be abolished, and in the future, asylum seekers will be able to submit their applications in neighboring countries, said Minister Gergely Gulyás at today’s Government Info press conference.

Blog

Gergely Gulyás: Additional easing of movement restrictions in Budapest may come later this week

May 14, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Minister Gulyás announced that current rules remain in force in the countryside, but movement restrictions in Pest County will be eased to the level of the countryside, with a decision on Budapest expected later this week.

Blog

Gergely Gulyás: The government is protecting people against the coronavirus at all costs

May 07, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Government Info press conference, Minister Gulyás clarified the new movement restrictions and reported on some economic issues as well.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: The Hungarian government will protect the people at all costs

May 07, 2020

During today’s Government Info press conference, Gergely Guylás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, clarified the new movement restrictions and reported on the latest economic updates.

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Gergely Gulyás: Hungary is prepared, and its coronavirus defense now moves to the second stage

Apr 30, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Following PM Orbán’s announcement last night that Hungary can now begin a gradual return to normal life and business, Minister Gergely Gulyás today provided details on how the country will move forward with the second phase of its coronavirus defense. He noted some economic stimuli for tourists this summer and also had some direct words for the local opposition and Donald Tusk.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: Hungary is ready to move forward with second phase of virus defense measures

Apr 30, 2020

Gergely Gulyás today provided details on how Hungary will move forward with the second phase of its coronavirus defense.

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Gergely Gulyás: Der Höhepunkt der Epidemie könnte nahe sein

Apr 17, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Auf der heutigen Regierungspressekonferenz wurden die Verlängerung der derzeitigen Ausgangsbeschränkungen, schriftliche Immatrikulationsprüfungen und weitere neue Maßnahmen angekündigt.

Blog

Gergely Gulyás: The peak of the epidemic may be near

Apr 16, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

An extension of the current movement restrictions, written matriculation exams and other new measures were announced at today’s Government Info press conference.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: Cabinet will convene today to “resolve” problems arising from expiring state of emergency measures

Mar 25, 2020

Since the opposition refused to debate extending special measures in an extraordinary session of parliament on Monday, this can be debated only next Tuesday at the earliest.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: State of emergency extended

Mar 19, 2020

At a press briefing this morning, Gergely Gulyás noted that the state of emergency could only remain in force for a period of 15 days, after which parliament’s approval would be necessary for an extension.

News in Brief

Coronavirus Update: Ordering a state of emergency in consideration

Mar 11, 2020

If approved by the government, the state of emergency will allow the authorities to order people to self-isolate in their homes.

News in Brief

Government allocates HUF 30 billion to eliminate overcrowding in Hungarian prisons

Feb 28, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said the funds may be used to set up temporary facilities with the aim of eliminating overcrowding by the end of September this year.

News in Brief

Hungary remembers the victims of communism

Feb 25, 2020

Gergely Gulyás said communist rule ended in Hungary in 1989, but insisted that “the communists and their crimes are still with us”.

News in Brief

Hungary considers the support of Christian communities a priority

Feb 20, 2020

The Hungary Helps humanitarian program was established as a way of setting a positive example to the world of how to support Christian communities.

News in Brief

Hungary approves climate and nature protection action plan

Feb 14, 2020

The aim is for Hungary to continue to do all it can in the era of climate change to make sure that future generations inherit a country that is in better shape than it is now.

News in Brief

Government seeks public support for upcoming national consultation survey

Feb 14, 2020

A total of nine questions are planned for the national consultation survey and the letters are expected to be delivered to Hungarian households in mid-March.

Blog

Minister Gulyás antwortet auf die finnische Präsidentschaft: Hey, entweder gelten die Regeln in beide Richtungen oder überhaupt nicht!

Dec 17, 2019 - Zoltán Kovács

Einige waren gar nicht glücklich darüber, dass ich beschlossen habe, über Twitter ein wenig Klarheit darüber zu verschaffen, wie der Rat, unter der finnischen Präsidentschaft, diese Anhörungen nach Artikel 7 durchführt.

News in Brief

Hungarian government will not budge on the issue of migration, says official

Nov 22, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said that whereas the government had managed to compromise with the EC on a number of issues and occasions, “the protection of the external border is not up for debate.”

News in Brief

Government sees new Budapest leadership as “partners”, says official

Nov 07, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said he hoped the “constructive, professional approach concentrating on Budapest’s development” would set the tone for the relationship with the new leadership.

News in Brief

The Hungarian government continues to reject all EU migrant quota relocation proposals, says official

Oct 11, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said the issue of quotas, which he said had emerged repeatedly in recent weeks, was the “last desperate attempt” by the outgoing European Commission to paper over its failures. Hungary, he added, could only accept quotas for expelling migrants.

News in Brief

Hungarian government pumps billions of forints into education and helping the homeless

Sep 27, 2019

Hungarian schoolchildren will receive free textbooks from next September and can attend foreign language courses. What's more, new places will be available at homeless shelters in Budapest.

News in Brief

Hungary will veto EU budget in its current form, says official

Sep 17, 2019

Gergely Gulyás has said the European Union budget for the next seven-year cycle is unacceptable to Hungary and will be vetoed unless it is changed.

News in Brief

Hungarian government to spend 645 billion HUF more on education next year than in 2010

Sep 02, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said the government was carrying out the biggest school development program of the past thirty years, with 110 billion HUF of European Union funding combined with 46 billion HUF of state support.

News in Brief

Every pensioner will receive household utility vouchers worth 9,000 HUF, says official

Aug 26, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said the Hungarian economy is out-performing all expectations, and this is something that elderly age groups should also benefit from.

News in Brief

21st-century media is the key to addressing events of 1989, says official

Aug 23, 2019

The head of the PM’s Office has highlighted that the fall of communism in 1989 has not been sufficiently addressed in art, therefore 21st-century media will be “indispensable” in helping to revive the memories of the events that led to the regime change.

News in Brief

Gulyás: It is extremely important that the EU has causes on its agenda in which citizens can express their wish

Jul 22, 2019

Gergely Gulyás has signed a European civil initiative aimed at increased focus on aspects of ethnic regions when distributing cohesion funding.

News in Brief

Gergely Gulyás: We must defend our national interests

May 24, 2019

“Europe must comprise of nation states who refuse to let migration affect their identity,” Gergely Gulyás said

News in Brief

Brussels must stop granting prepaid bank cards to migrants, says official

Apr 05, 2019

Gergely Gulyás points out that it is “worrying that terrorists can get the bank cards” and it is “unacceptable” that the European Union and the United Nations financially aided their travel arrangements and accommodation in Europe

Blog

Budapest Summit on Migration: Here’s the decisive issue of our time

Mar 23, 2019 - Zoltán Kovács

Migration has become a decisive issue in European public life today, drawing new dividing lines in politics and raising essential questions about Europe’s future.

News in Brief

Gergely Gulyás: Fidesz wants a strong, united, Christian democratic European People’s Party which rejects immigration

Mar 18, 2019

On Monday Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, told Hungarian news agency MTI that Fidesz wants a strong, united Christian democratic European People’s Party (EPP) which rejects immigration. He said that Fidesz wants to remain a member of the party family for as long as possible, and also stressed that Fidesz has always avoided personal attacks on other members of the party family it belongs to.

News in Brief

The debate on ruling Fidesz’s membership in the EPP is about immigration, says official

Mar 13, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said Weber and Orbán shared the intention that Fidesz should remain an EPP member, with the two sides having an interest in an agreement

News in Brief

Migration is the “most important topic” for the upcoming EP elections, says official

Mar 08, 2019

“Since the border fence was built migrants have avoided Hungary, but if the government changed its policy, Hungary would be a migrant destination just the same,” Gergely Gulyás said

News in Brief

Hungarian government calls for Timmermans to be withdrawn from EC during EP elections

Feb 06, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said commissioners are expected to perform their duties “with complete independence, integrity, dignity, with loyalty and discretion"

News in Brief

EP election campaign is not the forum to chew over politically motivated Article 7 procedure launched against Hungary

Feb 05, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said Article 7 had been launched against Hungary by pro-migration forces in European Parliament who didn’t favor the country’s policy on migration

News in Brief

Hungary marks Holocaust Remembrance Day

Jan 28, 2019

Gergely Gulyás said that the Hungarian state had “failed to protect its citizens at the time of the Holocaust”

News in Brief

Government will not participate in EP debate on the rule of law in Hungary

Jan 24, 2019

The debate is set for January 30th in Brussels on recent developments concerning the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary

News in Brief

Hungarian government to increase pensions by 2.7 percent in 2019

Dec 14, 2018

Healthcare, law enforcement and public administration workers will receive pay rises, and the minimum wage will also be increased in 2019

News in Brief

Gergely Gulyás: Hungary’s fight with the EU for sovereignty in the area of migration is underway

Dec 07, 2018

The minister highlighted that the key debate at a European level in the coming years would revolve around the bloc’s powers “versus state sovereignty”

Blog

Minister Gulyás on the Article 7 procedure: ‘A political accusation disguised as rule-of-law concerns’

Nov 09, 2018 - Zoltán Kovács

The pro-immigration political parties in the EP will stop at nothing to push their ideological agenda.

News in Brief

CSU is still a friend of Hungary, says head of the Prime Minister’s Office

Oct 05, 2018

Gergely Gulyás said that everyone in the Bavarian governing party “sees the struggle that Hungary is undertaking in Europe and for Europe, and everyone sees confirmation of Hungarian economic policy and migration policy"

News in Brief

The German government is now consistent in refusing illegal migration, says minister

Aug 30, 2018

Minister Gulyás said it's now the German government’s position that countries of the Schengen area have to fulfill their obligations to protect the external borders

News in Brief

Hungarian-German relations are going from strength-to-strength

Aug 15, 2018

According to Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, the Debrecen project of German automobile manufacturer BMW stands as proof of the long-term prospects and strength of German-Hungarian relations

News in Brief

Hungary must be protected from illegal migration says PM's office head

Jun 04, 2018

Speaking on Kossuth Radio, Gergely Gulyás said the government’s related proposals to change the constitution and enact the “Stop Soros” law will help protect Hungary

News in Brief

The PM’s Office will be expanded to handle EU affairs and other workloads

May 07, 2018

A new unit will be created within the PM’s Office to coordinate day-to-day government work and support decision making

News in Brief

Fidesz group leader says it may very well be the highest turnout ever

Apr 08, 2018

“Hungarian democracy is strong, this is what the high turnout signals. We thank all those who have voted, this way the next government will have strong legitimacy,” Gergely Gulyás, Fidesz group leader, said

News in Brief

Fidesz group leader: None of the opposition party leaders or prime ministerial candidates are fit to govern Hungary

Apr 06, 2018

Gergely Gulyás says migration is the most important issue in Sunday’s election. He said it’s irreversible, and therefore migration was the key

News in Brief

Parliamentary group leader says that building a civic Hungary will remain Fidesz’s key long-term objective

Apr 04, 2018

Gulyás said that if ruling Fidesz fails to garner an absolute majority on April 8th, there will be “chaos after Sunday’s ballot for an unforeseeable period, followed by new elections"

News in Brief

Fidesz MP says the government’s stability over the past eight years has given the country a “scientifically and economically demonstrable” competitive advantage

Mar 09, 2018

Gergely Gulyás said that what’s at stake in the April 8 election is whether Hungary’s stability can be preserved through the re-election of the Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance or whether “stability will be replaced by chaos” with the election of a new government

News in Brief

Gergely Gulyás says George Soros will continue to feature in Fidesz’s campaign in 2018

Jan 02, 2018

Gergely Gulyás said George Soros is a “symbolic figure in pro-migration policy and an anti-Hungary lobbyist”