Even during the economic crisis caused by the epidemic, the government did not introduce austerity measures. There was no precedent for this before, since before 2010 the left-liberal government tried to deal with all difficulties by increasing the burdens of those living on wages and salaries, as well as domestic companies.

Almost every day, macroeconomic data appear that eloquently prove that the country has left behind the crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic. The restrictions imposed due to the virus made life difficult for families and businesses, but the restrictions were not implemented this time, just as we could almost forget this word since 2010.

Previously, there was no example of a serious economic crisis not being followed by austerity, the National Association of Large Families wrote in its statement back in the summer. Indeed, if we look back at the period of the left-liberal government, the population and the companies were defrauded on more than one occasion.

After the change of government in 2002 - despite the promises - the MSZP-SZDSZ cabinet bled the successful and extremely popular home-building program of Fidesz. Then Ferenc Gyurcsány overthrew Péter Medgyessy and took power. Irresponsible governance caused a financial crisis, and in the summer of 2006 - after the elections - the austerity measures arrived.

A significant number of them put the lives of families in a difficult situation. So, for example, it was "pocket-cutting" that the price of domestic gas was increased by an average of thirty percent and electricity by 10-14 percent. Individuals with an annual income of over six million forints were required to pay a special solidarity tax of four percent, but the sales tax was also increased. At that time, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung wrote that since the swearing in of the second Gyurcsány government, not a day has passed that the ten million Hungarians are not faced with some bad news, which they then feel in their wallets.

Despite the ruthless measures, the country did not get back on its feet, because the financial crisis that broke out in 2008 hit our country in a terribly weak state. That is why it was necessary to take out a giga loan from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and then the Bajnai government introduced new restrictions. At that time, the 13th month salary was abolished in the public sector, as well as the 13th month pension.

The time to use sick pay, gyes and gyed has also decreased. The previous housing support system was abolished, as were the gas price and district heating compensation.

After 2010, the Orbán government embarked on a completely different policy that primarily supports families. For example, the overhead reduction, which was a very brave step at the time, was a huge help. Thanks to the measure, the retail price of electricity, natural gas, district heating and water utility services was reduced, by 25 percent overall.

There has been no price increase since then, and Hungarian consumers still pay one of the most favorable prices for energy in European comparison. The 15 percent personal income tax also contributed to more money remaining with households. The family tax benefits, the non-refundable millions for home building and renovation, supplemented by the baby support, help both the construction industry and childbearing. Large families can buy a seven-seater car with a state contribution, which is also considered an unprecedented step. Women can retire after forty years of employment, while mothers with four or more children do not have to pay personal income tax. Starting next year, employees under the age of 25 can also benefit from this relief. Also unprecedented is the government decision which, at the beginning of 2022, will return the personal income tax paid this year to families raising children.

The reconstruction of the 13th monthly pension has begun, in addition to which outstanding economic growth has also enabled the payment of the pension premium for years. The forint conversion of foreign currency loans was also a great help to families, which made the monthly installments predictable.

Source: Magyar Nemzet
Image: Máté Bach