At a press conference following the summit of EU heads of government and state, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced in Brussels that the country specific economic policy recommendations published by the European Commission include two that Hungary cannot accept; one concerning the public work scheme, and another concerning a proposed budget adjustment.
The Prime Minister said that the European Council has declared the proposals to be acceptable in general, meaning literally that is does not agree with every detail.
According to the Prime Minister, Brussels wants Hungary to provide benefits instead of public work. “This, we cannot accept”, he stressed, explaining that while Brussels regards public work as a labour market tool, the Government considers it a social policy measure.
“We are in two different constellations”, Mr. Orbán said, explaining that the real question is what makes individuals and families happier, more satisfied and more competitive: if they can go to work every morning, or if they sit at home waiting for their benefit payments to arrive. The Government wishes to enable these people to leave for work every morning and be part of what, although perhaps not guaranteeing it, but certainly provides the opportunity for a life spent in dignity, he said, adding that in his view the public work scheme is more effective than Brussels thinks.
Concerning the other recommendation, the Prime Minister said that the proposal recommends austerity measures that the Government is unable to accept. Brussels is proposing a 0.5 percent of GDP budget adjustment for this year, and 0.6 percent for next year in order to achieve the so-called mid-term objective of a 1.7 percent structural deficit, which the document projects would be achieved by 2017.
The Prime Minister expressed his respectful thanks for the studies and advice, “but there will be no austerity measures”, he said in closing.