“We live in a changing world. First, the Covid epidemic and later the russian-Ukrainian war transformed the world around us and transformed the economic environment as well. Until the Covid epidemic, Hungary pursued a very successful economic policy. We can safely say that it was the moast successful economic policy of the last hundred years,” declared Justice Minister Bence Tuzson Dunakeszin at a joint press conference with Bence Rétvári, the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, before the national consultation forum on Tuesday evening, who says that Hungary needs a neutral economic policy, with East and West also need to cooperate and trade.
The parliamentary representative of Dunakeszi and its region emphasized: we must adapt to the changing world. The sanctions introduced by the European Union and the declared trade war are also affecting our country, so Hungary needs a new economic policy. For the policy of economic neutrality, he insisted.
That’s why we started the national consultation, that’s why we hold forums across the country, where we explain the government’s goals, listen to people’s opinions and thier questions, the minister of Justice stated.
The guest of the forum held in Dunakesz is dr. In his introduction, Bence Rétvári, the parliamentary state secretary and deputy minister of the Ministry of the Interior, told members of the press that “in a democracy, people usually express their opinions once every four years, but at the same time, we can clearly see that the world is changing very quickly. It is very important for us to get direct feedback from people, whether the direction we think is right is also right in their opinion.”
He reminded: in the past decade and a half, people were asked countless times in the framework of the national consultation.
Referring to the current economic and world political situation, to the war raging to the east of us, he explained that now it is not the Chinese who are building the Great Wall of China, but Europe wants to build the great Wall of china to block the trade route to the east.
“we are at a very critically important, strategic moment, so it is indeed important that not onyl the government has a vision, but that we talk to the people, discuss it, they also evaluate the situation in the same way, would they also make such a strategic decision? It is an important decision, as we see that there is constant pressure on us from Brussels, and if at any time we deviate even a little bit from the line that they have imagined, and where they set the member states, at that moment there will be huge fines, proceedings for breach of obligations, and constant pressure on hungary. It is important that we discuss this turning point with everyone,” emphasized Bence Rétvári, who asked the population to participate in the national consultation as much as possible and express their opinions.
The parliamentary state secretary of the Ministry of the Interior emphasized that the opinion of the people gives the government a strong mandate in the economic and political struggle with Brussels.
“In the last decade and a half, we were able to move forward with the people and govern together as we always held these forums. Before an important decision, we always asked for people’s opinions, and we only started the legislative work with knowledge of that. That is why we are happy that these meetings are very active, I experience this in my constituency and elsewhere in the country.People have specific questions, they are interested in the worker’s loan, the Sándor Demján Program, through which HUF 1,400 billion will go to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, as the government wants to support Hungarian businesses to the greatest extent,” emphasized Bence Rétvári.
He gave a brief overview of the situation of the European economy,the performance of which cannot even be compared to the growth of five years ago. “It is indeed a good indication of the economic recession that the general strike started in the Volkswagen factories, which we would not have thoght a few years ago, as well as the fact that a large part of the factories will be closed,” he explained.
At the end of the press conference, Bence Rétvári stated that in this very critical situation, we must unite with the people and think together to achieve our common goals.
The halls of the József Attila Cultural Center were filled to the brim with interested citizens, who expressed their opinions on Brussels politics after the fact-based presentation of the two politicians.
Photo: Endre Véssey
2024-12-04 20:37:00
What are the key challenges Hungary faces in its economic strategy due to the Covid pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and economic Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rétvári! Thank you for joining us today to discuss Hungary’s shifting economic landscape in light of the recent global events. From yoru recent statements, it truly seems that Hungary is at a crossroads due to the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. Can you elaborate on how these events have transformed Hungary’s economic strategy?
Dr. Bence Rétvári: Absolutely, thank you for having me. As I mentioned in our recent press conference, the Covid epidemic and the geopolitical tensions from the war have considerably impacted Hungary’s economic habitat. Until the pandemic, Hungary had, in many ways, one of the most successful economic policies in recent history.We now face the need to adapt and redefine our approach in the face of these challenges.
Time.news Editor: You propose a policy of economic neutrality that fosters trade cooperation with both East and West. What does this entail, especially given the current sanctions and trade tensions?
Dr. Rétvári: Economic neutrality means we should seek balanced relationships rather than align strictly with one bloc. The EU sanctions are indeed a pressure point, and we need to strategically navigate these waters. By promoting dialog and understanding with both Eastern and Western partners, Hungary can maintain robust trade relationships that serve our national interests, even when broader geopolitical tensions exist.
Time.news Editor: you mentioned the importance of public feedback during the national consultations. How do you think direct feedback from citizens can influence government policy, notably in such a rapidly shifting environment?
Dr. Rétvári: in a democracy, citizen engagement is critical.As I pointed out, people typically express their opinions through elections every four years, yet they need more immediate opportunities to voice their thoughts, especially in turbulent times. By initiating national consultations, we invite discussions where the public can express their concerns, preferences, and insights. This feedback not only informs our policies but also gives us a strong mandate to pursue these initiatives while addressing the pressures from Brussels or other international bodies.
Time.news Editor: Given the strategic moment you mentioned, what specific steps is the government taking to ensure that the economic needs of Hungarians are being met while dealing with external pressures?
Dr. Rétvári: We are actively engaging with communities through forums,allowing us to address specific inquiries and concerns. Additionally, we are rolling out various initiatives, such as the Sándor Demján Program, which allocates HUF 1,400 billion to support small and medium-sized enterprises. These steps are designed to strengthen our economy from the ground up while we navigate external challenges.
Time.news Editor: How do you believe hungary’s approach contrasts with that of other EU member states,especially in terms of dealing with EU directives and maintaining national economic sovereignty?
Dr. Rétvári: Many EU countries may follow a more rigid adherence to EU directives, but Hungary’s approach is characterized by a desire to assert our autonomy. While we are part of the EU and acknowledge the importance of cooperation,we also prioritize our national interests. Balancing these elements, especially in light of the pressures from Brussels, is paramount for us to maintain our economic independence and ensure the welfare of our citizens.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rétvári.Your insights into Hungary’s economic policy evolution are invaluable as we navigate these complex global dynamics. It’s essential to understand how local governance can adapt to and influence larger geopolitical landscapes.
Dr. Rétvári: My pleasure. Thank you for addressing such critical topics. It’s essential that we continue this dialogue as we move forward.