This initiative underscores the government's stance that economic growth hinges on maintaining a neutral position, particularly avoiding the "commercial cold war" led by Brussels against Eastern economies like China and Russia. According to PM Orbán, it is vital for Hungary to retain control over its economic decisions and avoid restrictive EU sanctions that may harm the Hungarian economy.
Since 2010, the government has consulted the public on significant matters 13 times, ranging from migration to economic policies, establishing this format as a central pillar of Hungary’s democratic dialogue. The results from these consultations empower the government to make policy choices that reflect the national will, especially when facing opposition from EU and left-wing leaders.
Without further ado, the questions of the upcoming national consultation:
- Economic neutrality
Brussels has launched a trade war against Eastern countries, primarily China and Russia. In their view, every EU country must join the announced sanctions policy and punitive trade measures, even if this harms the economy of the given country.
In contrast, the government believes that Hungary should be economically neutral and should not join the trade war launched by Brussels. This is how the Hungarian economy can achieve growth exceeding the EU average.
What do you think about this?
A: Economic neutrality is needed.
B: The trade war is justified; Hungary should join this.
- New economic policy
Brussels says that in developing a new economic policy, Hungary must follow the European Union in all key matters and only adopt Western models in its economy.
In contrast, the government’s position is that Hungary should follow its own path, adopting only what is beneficial and reasonable from both the West and the East. Anything that could harm Hungarians should be rejected, even if it comes from our allies.
What do you think about this?
A: Hungary should follow its own path.
B: In all matters, Hungary should follow Brussels and only adopt Western models in its economy.
- Support for small and medium-sized enterprises
Multinational companies worldwide are aiming for ever-higher profits, seeking to dominate the economy by squeezing out local businesses.
In contrast, the Hungarian government believes that domestic small and medium-sized enterprises need new tools for support. Capital grants are needed, accessible to all small and medium-sized enterprises.
What do you think about this?
A: Capital grants are needed for Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises.
B: Capital grants are unnecessary; loans available to businesses are sufficient.
- Regulation of multinational companies
Brussels opposes the Hungarian government’s efforts to act against traders and multinational companies that abuse their economic power by unilaterally raising prices.
In contrast, the government believes Hungary has the right to protect its citizens against multinationals that abuse their power.
What do you think about this?
A: It is necessary to penalize multinationals that abuse their power.
B: Hungary must accept Brussels’ rules and cannot act independently against multinationals.
- Wage increase program
Some people believe there is no need for a new agreement on the wage increase program, and companies should decide on wages independently.
In contrast, the government believes a new agreement is needed with employers and employees for a multi-year, growth-based wage increase program. This way, the minimum wage of 400,000 forints and the average wage of 1 million forints can be achieved in a predictable manner.
What do you think about this?
A: A new wage increase program based on an agreement is needed.
B: A new agreement is unnecessary; companies should decide on wages independently.
- Workers' loan for young people
Some people believe there is no need for a new loan program for young people, as the student loan program is sufficient.
In contrast, the government believes that, similar to the student loan program, a zero-interest loan should be provided to young people who work. The workers’ loan would support young people starting their lives.
What do you think about this?
A: A workers’ loan for young people is needed.
B: The student loan is sufficient.
- Housing support
Some people believe supporting workers' housing is the responsibility of companies, and the government should not intervene.
In contrast, the government believes tax incentives should be provided to companies if they contribute to their employees’ rent. Additionally, the SZÉP card should be usable for home renovations.
What do you think about this?
A: The government should support companies in contributing to employees' rent with tax incentives, and the SZÉP card should be usable for home renovations.
B: The government should not provide tax incentives for employee housing support.
- Housing support for young people
Some believe that, in addition to the CSOK Plus program, no further measures are needed to support young people’s housing.
In contrast, the government believes that new dormitories should be built and first-time young home-buyers should be provided with a preferential, 5% interest rate housing loan.
What do you think about this?
A: New dormitories and a preferential 5% interest rate housing loan for young people are needed.
B: The CSOK Plus program provides sufficient support.
- 13th-month pension
Brussels demands that the Hungarian government abolish the 13th-month pension.
The government rejects Brussels’ demand. According to the government, the 13th-month pension should be made permanent in the coming years.
What do you think about this?
A: The 13th-month pension should be made permanent.
B: The 13th-month pension is unnecessary.
- Family tax benefits
Europe is facing a serious demographic crisis. Instead of supporting European families, Brussels sees migration as a solution.
In contrast, the Hungarian government considers supporting Hungarian families the most important issue.
Therefore, in addition to the new economic policy, the government believes that support for families with children should be continued and increased. The child tax credits should be doubled.
What do you think about this?
A: Doubling the child tax credits is necessary.
B: Migration should be supported instead.
- Rejection of migration penalties
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Hungary must pay a daily fine of €1 million because it has not opened its borders to migrants.
In contrast, the government believes that instead of penalizing Hungary, Brussels should accept that Hungary will not participate in the central migration policy, meaning mandatory acceptance and distribution of migrants.
What do you think about this?
A: The penalty is outrageous, and Hungary has the right to opt out of migrant acceptance and distribution.
B: Hungary must also accept Brussels’ migration policy.