One Million New Jobs in Ten Years

Created: 28th May, 2008 15:05 | Last updated: 28th May, 2008 15:21	print	send

Mr Orbán was accompanied by Mr György Matolcsy (MP, Fidesz), former minister of economy and Mr Mihály Varga, vice-chairman of the party and former minister of finance during the centre-right cabinet in office between 1998 and 2002. The chairman of Fidesz thanked the organizers of the event for giving him the opportunity to present his suggestions concerning Hungary's economy, political and public administration. Mr Orbán emphasized his conviction that the country's difficult situation may only be resolved on the basis of a broad agreement and a common vision.

"On behalf of Fidesz, I am here to offer a new deal for Hungary's leading businessmen. Our economic policy's focus point would be to create one million new jobs in ten years' time", the chairman of the leading opposition party said. "A cabinet by itself is not capable of achieving this, the support of the business life is essential. There is a good chance of reaching a new agreement between leading businessmen, the parliament and the political class following the next elections, with the aim of creating one million new jobs", Mr Orbán continued.

Answering a question at the press-conference, the chairman of Fidesz said that the fastest possible resignation of the incumbent socialist minority cabinet was the key condition of spurring economic growth in Hungary. "The public trust necessary for successful governance has disappeared. In order to render the country capable of reaching its goals, confidence needs to be rebuilt. The only possible way to do this is to call for early elections. The sooner the better. We kindly ask governing socialists to resign: this would be better for everyone", emphasized the chairman of Fidesz.

Concerning the level of pensions in Hungary, Mr Orbán said that their real value has constantly been decreasing for years. For this reason, their purchasing power needs to be kept up. An economic policy focused on competitiveness cannot contradict the pensioners' interests. "We shall always be there to protect the elderly. We have done so by abolishing visiting and hospital fees [referring to the March 9 referendum where these charges, introduced by the incumbent government led by PM Gyurcsány, were abolished by an overwhelming majority, following the position of Fidesz], and we shall do so and guard them from decreasing purchasing power. A certain contract has taken shape between Fidesz and the pensioners, which resulted in the outcome of the referendum in March. Therefore we count on them, and they can also count on us", concluded Mr Orbán.

"Hungary's economy and its people are both in a dire situation, millions of people struggle with poverty. Under such circumstances, we cannot permit wasting millions of euros on any giant project. We do need every investment, but only at a price which suits Hungary's national interest", emphasized the former PM, adding that no abuse of political power whatsoever was acceptable.

The chairman of Fidesz said he emphasized it was the state's task to guarantee basic health care and education, as well as to organize public administration and public security, therefore Fidesz was opposed to privatizing these duties.