A Stronger Hungary - Fidesz Presents its Manifesto

The manifesto of Fidesz was presented on Saturday, 8th December, and is a result of a yearlong process of policy debates and discussions that have first taken shape in the strategic document entitled "Our Future" (Jövőnk), adopted unanimously by the congress in May. Speakers of the conference were Mr Tibor Navracsics, leader of the parliamentary group of Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union, Mr József Szájer MEP, vice-chairman of the European People's Party - European Democrats (EPP-ED) group in the European Parliament, Mrs Corien Wortmann-Kool, vice-president of the EPP-ED, Mr Erwin Teufel, former prime minister of Baden-Würtenberg and Mr Viktor Orbán, chairman of Fidesz.

Created: 10th December, 2007 16:49 | Last updated: 13th December, 2007 11:19	print	send

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"A Stronger Hungary" - The Manifesto of Fidesz (PDF, english)

On behalf of the Foundation for a Civic Hungary, chairman Zoltán Balog (MP, Fidesz) opened the conference, followed by Mr Navracsics, leader of the parliamentary group of Fidesz. "This manifesto was created with the cooperation of the European People's Party", he said, stating that the document's purpose is to set the strategic policy goals of the party for the coming years. "There are critics who say it has no new points. We thank them for finally admitting that we have always had a manifesto and for belying the words of PM Ferenc Gyurcsány who repeatedly denied its existence", added Mr Navracsics.

The leader of the parliamentary group of Fidesz told the audience that some feared the socialists would try and steal the proposals of the opposition party, however, he stated, this was not a reason not to publish it because the left had already done so many times before.

"The past one and half years have proven that only Fidesz could provide Hungary with a clear vision for the future. A level of economic growth not even reaching 1% in the third quarter of the year is not a perspective", he said.

Mr Navracsics said the task of Fidesz was to help revive the economy that guaranteed solidarity, welfare, the rule of law and a stronger Hungary that was both essential for the Hungarian people and the European Union.

"Tax cuts, economic growth, transparency, solidarity and social market economy" - Tibor Navracsics, leader of the parliamentary group

Mr Szájer talked of the common difficulties facing Hungary and the European Union, such as the unfavorable demographic trends, and denounced the incumbent socialist-liberal cabinet for failing to take steps in this field. "The Hungarian state is not fulfilling its obligations: it employs a widespread bureaucracy with outstandingly low efficiency", he continued, and emphasized that the policy-proposals of the manifesto resemble those of the EPP's document.

Mrs Corien Wortmann-Kool, vice-president of the EPP, talked of the core values of the manifesto, such as justice, equality, solidarity and responsibility, and said these followed the tradition of Western centre-right parties. "Strengthening the social market economy and creating an equitable tax and pension system are the most important tasks right now", she said, praising the document's focus on families and SMEs. Mrs Wortmann said the manifesto was a real alternative to the socialist-liberal government of Hungary.

Mr Erwin Teufel, former PM of Baden-Würtenberg said the aim was not to create a classic model of market economy but one of social market economy, a model based on solidarity. "None of the nation states can protect itself in the 21st century, this is why we need a strong Europe, one we can accept with our hearts as well", he added.

In his speech, Viktor Orbán spoke of Hungary as a country of absurdities, referring, among others, to the cabinet meeting between Russia and Hungary and the fact that a government could stay in power even in spite of obvious lies.

"The manifesto of Fidesz is an important step for Hungarians to regain their self-confidence and to re-strengthen those values they can be proud of in Europe as well", stated Mr Orbán, who then continued to say that present-day Hungary was pulled backwards by the politicians and practices belonging to the past. "Politics", he said, "have become suffocating for the country's economy", and the incumbent elite is pursuing a policy that will render the society and Eastern character. "By Eastern, I mean Russian-like, one in which the political leaders are purposely trying to weaken the middle-class and to divide the entire society in a way that the weak ones are turned against the wealthier", emphasized the former PM of Hungary.

"Politics have made this country weak, therefore it is our duty to re-strengthen it as well", Mr Orbán stated, calling for an historic union between the middle-class and the poorer people: "I am convinced that this will help Hungary develop its creative energies", a task the manifesto embarked upon.

"Today's corrupt leaders are not capable of resolving this situation", continued the chairman of Fidesz, a reason why this manifesto focused on the principles of democracy, mutual responsibility, social capital and a harmony between social and economic competitiveness.

The manifesto of Fidesz, A Stronger Hungary, can be read here in its entirety: http://www.fidesz.hu/download/FideszPP2007_EN.pdf

The following points are the most important excerpts of the document:

"The European zeitgeist and current Hungarian reality compel us to renew our programme and put it before the public. Recently it has become obvious that the socialist-liberal coalition has no clear idea of Hungary's future, and so it is now up to Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union to reformulate its programme for prosperity and convergence. We cannot just sit back and watch poverty, debt and hopelessness grow day by day. It is now our duty to show that Fidesz is capable of guiding the country out of this seemingly hopeless situation. In the face of new challenges we need a new centre-right programme. The new centre-right has a nation-centred outlook, is devoted to democracy and competition, and is socially aware. It is nation-centred in its desire to preserve Hungarian cultural values and protect Hungary's economic interests." (Reclaiming the Future, foreword by Mr Tibor Navracsics)

"Security is one of the most fundamental values in the eyes of civil society. According to our philosophy, national security rests on two pillars: the powers of the Hungarian nation itself, and Euro-Atlantic integration (or international co-operation). We will make it very clear that, in terms of national security, Hungary is not a bridge between West and East, but a strong bridgehead of the West." (Security of the Nation)

"Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union's position is that healthcare is not a business commodity, and therefore hospitals are not for sale. We strongly oppose the unthinking closure of hospitals. Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union rejects outright the introduction of co-payments for medical appointments and the daily fee for hospital stays - as well as the implementation of these measures - since both were imposed by the government without a mandate from the electorate, and both have consequences detrimental to the medical profession and patients alike." (Health Belongs to Us All)

"Dynamic growth is the focal point of our economic policies. Through dynamic growth Hungary can exploit her hidden potential and artificially suppressed economic opportunities. We will promote economic growth which, instead of only benefiting a narrow group of people, will make the whole of society the beneficiary of prosperity, which will allow for the equal distribution of public burdens, which will extend across the entire country, not by restraining developed regions but by promoting underdeveloped ones. [...] By curtailing tax burdens, introducing simplified administration, providing discounted loans, and the placement of government orders, we will improve the operating conditions in the SME sector. [...] Our aim is to eliminate the obstacles facing corporate social responsibility. Using all political means at our disposal, we will promote company CSR activities. We are of the fi rm belief that the only way to give effective answers to today's economic, social, and environmental challenges is by cooperation with the participants of the competitive sector who have been at the cutting edge of CSR." (Economic Growth and Social Security)

"Fidesz is of the conviction that the maintenance of the North-Atlantic alliance is in Hungary's fundamental interest. For this very reason, in addition to supporting the European Union's independent defence and security policy measures, Hungary will continue to have an interest in the maintenance of NATO, and in adapting to the new conditions that have emerged with the altered international relations after 11 September 2001." (Consistent Foreign Relations)