At a conference entitled „National interest in focus – The Hungarian model in a changing Europe”, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán evaluated the performance of the Hungarian Government over the past three years and called the Hungarian economy one of the most promising in Europe.

At the event, in front of some three hundred guests and with the participation of former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar, the Hungarian Head of Government noted that one cannot deny that the present Cabinet was able to bail Hungary out of the pit it had been plunged into by former socialist governments.

Speaking on the first of the so-called „national issues” specified in the Government's programme, undertaking to foster economic growth, the Prime Minister said that the Government has done its best to make sure Hungary can stand on its own two feet, and accordingly concluded cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. In terms of budgetary issues, the Prime Minister said that the Government had successfully whipped the budget into shape, thanks to which the budget deficit is at a record low and the country is capable of financing itself from the markets. Based on this, the Prime Minister regards the Hungarian economy as one of the most promising in Europe.

Regarding the second undertaking of the programme, the creation of social security, the Prime Minister stated that it is not impossible that a single-digit level of income tax will be introduced in Hungary at some point. He reiterated that income tax should be kept low whereas taxes that target consumption should be relatively high. He also noted that the Government could go on reducing utility charges.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the successful restoration of public order, and, in connection with the healthcare system, he noted that improving the situation of general practitioners remains a task to be resolved.

Finally, with regard to reinstating democratic norms, he made it clear that in comparison with the situation prior to 2010 – e.g. during the events of 2006 – Hungary currently has a clear and transparent constitutional order.

Among the Government’s exemplary measures is the promotion of a work-based society, the implementation of fair and reasonable burden-sharing. Concerning the Government's policy on Europe, the Prime Minister said that Hungary seeks to participate in debates related to the future of the European Union and supports the idea of a „Europe of nations”.

(Prime Minister’s Office)