Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on Kossuth Radio that the Hungarian economy would generate unexpectedly good growth already this year and Hungary is performing better than earlier, although further improvement is required.

Viktor Orbán emphasized that the new growth credit program is justified, because merchant banks hardly lend with interest rates below 10 percent nowadays, and it is almost impossible to generate such a high level of profit. He added that the cooperation of merchant banks is necessary because the Hungarian National Bank cannot lend directly to companies.

The Prime Minister said that in two weeks a debate would be held in the European Parliament about the Hungarian constitutional situation and a decision on participation would be made at the weekend.

Viktor Orbán pointed out that the yearly consumption of natural gas in Hungary is approximately ten billion cubic metres and as a result of purchasing E.ON and another gas storage facility, Hungary is now capable of storing seven billion cubic metres of natural gas. 

According to Viktor Orbán, there will be further reductions in utility charges, but these will be accompanied by further struggles. He emphasized that this is why it is so important that people make it clear that they want further reductions in utility charges by signing the ongoing petition.

Concerning the flood prevention program, he pointed out that Hungary has spent more than seven hundred billion HUF on flood protection since 2010 by strengthening damns and building water storage facilities.

(Prime Minister's Office)