The government does not intend to change the measures serving the fight against the coronavirus epidemic that are currently in effect because any change would be risky, Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said at the ‘Governmentinfo’ press conference held on Thursday in Budapest.
The government does not want to take any risks, the goal is to prevent a second wave, he stressed.
Mr Gulyás said the goal is to ensure that from 1 September schools can start operations as usual.
At the same time, they will maintain the rules relating to events involving music and dancing also beyond 15 August, he announced.
The Minister further informed members of the press that the government will provide grants worth HUF 5.3 billion for musicians who are finding themselves in a difficult situation due to the coronavirus epidemic. From this allocation, a series of so-called ‘garage gigs’, small-scale live performances will be organised, recordings of which will be made accessible to members of the public. From the allocation of HUF 5.3 billion, HUF 800 million has been set aside to help Roma musicians.
Renowned musical producers will be involved in the selection process, and the programme will be implemented by the Hungarian Tourism Agency, he added.
Regarding the epidemic situation, Mr Gulyás highlighted that Hungary is one of the countries that managed the first wave of the virus best, more effectively than countries such as Spain, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands or Sweden.
This is, however, only a partial achievement, he continued, because while the situation in Hungary is stagnating and the number of new infections is positively low, in many places a robust second wave has already started. The situation has deteriorated in Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro, while a modest rise has also been observed in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Italy, he listed, indicating that the deterioration of the situation is a global trend.
At the same time, he pointed out that from among neighbouring countries the number of active cases has fallen in Croatia and Slovenia. The head of the Prime Minister’s Office said in Hungary the stagnation of the number of infections can be maintained under the present circumstances.
He stressed that the containment effort can only be successful if everyone observes the rule of keeping a safe distance and complies with the regulations relating to the wearing of face masks.
In answer to a question about when a second wave of the epidemic could be expected, the Minister said in a number of countries around Europe there is a surge in case numbers which must be regarded as a second wave. He added that in Hungary we must do everything we can to minimise the second wave. In answer to another question, he argued that if the number of active infections were to exceed 1,000 to 1,500, that would evidently signal a second wave; however, at present, the number of active infections is stagnating between 500 and 600.
Mr Gulyás confirmed in answer to a question that the rules relating to the simplified redemption of prescriptions would also remain in force beyond 17 September and the end of the state of disease control preparedness.
Regarding the testing of Hungarians returning from countries falling into the yellow and red categories after 1 August, he said they can have the tests performed using both state and private service providers and are allowed to leave quarantine for the duration of the tests. The Ministry will issue regulations regarding the protocol in effect after 1 August, he added.
In answer to a question about whether the police have imposed fines due to the violation of the rules relating to the wearing of face masks, the Minister said the police can take action on the basis of the relevant legal rules, can impose fines as high as tens of thousands of forints, and according to his information, they have done so in some cases. He observed that while there is scope for the imposition of sanctions, they are asking everyone to comply with the law on a voluntary basis.
Mr Gulyás said the government is contacting the European Commission, asking their permission for the implementation of a pay rise at the postal services.
The Minister highlighted that at this time the opportunities of the Hungarian economy are much more limited than during the months before the coronavirus, and the Hungarian Postal Services is a loss-making company. At the same time, postal workers’ pay is unfairly low compared with the standard of services they are providing. As the company is loss-making, a pay rise is only possible if the European Commission grants permission. Therefore, already on Thursday the government will contact the European Commission in the interest of a pay rise. They will conduct talks with the trade unions regarding its rate, and he is certain, Mr Gulyás said, that they will come to an agreement; the question is whether Brussels will approve this.
The Minister also said the government decided not to support any project on Hajógyári Island. He pointed out that they do not want to implement any project that the metropolitan municipality does not support. Flood control planning is ongoing, and the plans will be completed, he stressed.
They will look for a new site for the Kovács Katalin kayak-canoe sports complex where it could function to everyone’s satisfaction. He mentioned Lake Velence as a possible site. They are consulting with the parties concerned, the Minister indicated.
They also decided to transfer ownership of the handball complex that is currently being built in the 9th district of the capital to Ferencvárosi Torna Club.
Government Spokesperson Alexandra Szentkirályi reported that according to Thursday morning data, as many as 1,192,000 persons have completed the national consultation questionnaire online or by mail. Members of the public have the possibility to take part in the consultation until 15 August, the government spokesperson added.
Ms. Szentkirályi said also in the past the government had consulted the Hungarian people before deciding on all important issues, and the fight against the coronavirus epidemic and its economic impacts are no exceptions. They would like the people to reach points of understanding, thereby supporting the government’s actions, she said.
In response to the suggestion in connection with the case of the news portal Index that the Left “wants to lay the blame on the government’s doorstep for something that it is a victim of” while there is ample evidence that this is a power struggle within the Left, Mr Gulyás said there is freedom of the press in Hungary as long as the government does not interfere with these matters in any way. He stressed that the government is happy if everyone is able to do their jobs freely and without restrictions.
In answer to the question as to why Fidesz Members of the European Parliament sent a message to the People’s Party in connection with the Index incident, Mr Gulyás said it is general practice that if there is a case where non-government party MEPs start “spreading lies, it is best if we ourselves provide information from our perspective”. This is not the first, nor presumably the last case of this nature, he remarked.
In response to a question about his personal opinion on the matter, he said he is observing developments. He pointed out that no one ever claimed – not even the fired editor-in-chief – that anyone put pressure on anyone else regarding what Index should publish.
From the respect of freedom of the press – regardless of any untrue allegations spread by left-wing Members of the European Parliament – not even the parties concerned dispute the fact that no one ever sought to influence the contents of articles, and every element of freedom of the press was fully enforced, he stated.
The Minister said in answer to a question about the restarting of the economy that businesses can avail themselves, among others, of job protection and job creation wage support, the Széchenyi Card programme, the products of the development bank, high-tech and green calls for proposals, grants aimed at the enhancement of competitiveness, the Kisfaludy tourist accommodation programme, and the credit moratorium.
He added that they are currently consulting with the Banking Association about whether banks could offer businesses further preferential terms and conditions or a partial moratorium.
Mr Gulyás said commenting on reports that, according to the data of the Central Statistical Office, unemployment is at a record high level, that according to the Central Statistical Office’s data relating to the number of workers in employment, 4,457,000 persons are currently in employment which is around 38,000 fewer than a year ago and some 100,000 more than at the peak of the crisis. He added that it is to be hoped that before the end of this year Hungary will reach the employment data of last year’s corresponding period.
In answer to a question about the possible development of the GDP, Mr Gulyás said it is still difficult to offer a responsible projection; however, as far as they can see, a minus 3 per cent forecast will probably not be far off the mark. He added that there is a great deal of uncertainty, and in order to form an overall picture, it is necessary to also take account of the August data and the economic consequences of a possible second wave of the epidemic.
FTC’s operating experiences are positive, Mr Gulyás pointed out in response to a question about the transfer – initiated by the government – of ownership of the handball complex currently under construction. This complex is being built between Fradiváros and the Fradi Stadium, and in their opinion, Ferencvárosi Torna Club will be able to operate and maintain this institution well, he argued.
He also indicated that they will conclude an agreement with Ferencváros to the effect that a fixed number of state events and events of the national team take priority in the complex.
In answer to another question, the Minister also highlighted that the government has not yet discussed the long-term programme proposed by Szilárd Demeter, head of the Petőfi Literary Museum in connection with the pop and rock music industry; at this point in time, the government decided about instant relief.
He said in response to a question about the infringement procedure conducted against Hungary in connection with segregation that there is an ongoing dialogue about the topic with the European Commission. The Hungarian government has also informed the European Commission that during the terms of the cabinet currently in office the situation of the Roma has improved perceivably.
Data regarding employment, training, school attendance and participation in higher education among the Roma are infinitely better than earlier, he said, pointing out that it is crucial that the government’s policy in this field should bear fruit.
He said the pay rise of postal workers qualifies as prohibited state aid; this is why it is necessary to conduct consultations with the EU.
He also said new, more effective regulations regarding the changing of the names of streets named after communists could be adopted in the autumn.
In answer to a question concerning school guards, he said the police are making the necessary preparations with due care.
Responding to a question regarding a referendum initiated by MSZP in connection with Lake Balaton, Mr Gulyás took the view that the government is not a party to this debate as the issue of free bathing areas around Lake Balaton falls within the competence of local governments, not within that of the central government. At the same time, he continued, last year the government provided funds for the refurbishment of more than 30 lake-shore areas, and also at present the refurbishment of another 26 free bathing areas financed from government funds is under way.
In answer to a question regarding the status of the talks between the Ministry for Innovation and Technology and the metropolitan municipality about the refurbishment of metro line M3, the Minister said the Budapest transport company BKV is responsible for the implementation of the public procurement procedure, and according to their information, BKV has not yet been able to come to an agreement with the company contracted for the refurbishment of the tunnel. He expressed hope that an agreement would be reached soon, and confirmed that the government funding remains available as pledged earlier.
The Minister was also asked about the emergence in Europe of US-style demonstrations. In his reply, Mr Gulyás described the movement as racist, and took the view that the effect of demonstrations in the US depends on the state European societies are in. He added that Hungarian society is in good shape, and therefore here their effect is minimal or non-existent; they only stir into action “a handful of small extremist hate groups”.