Due to a possible surge in the coronavirus epidemic, it is important to know which previously introduced measures people support the most, the Government Spokesperson said on Saturday at a Governmentinfo Plus press conference posted on her social media account.

Alexandra Szentkirályi said while Hungary won the first battle against the virus, the epidemic data in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Austria, Montenegro, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria give rise to concern. “Therefore, Hungary, too, must prepare for such a situation,” she said. It may do so most effectively if the government knows which disease control measures are supported most, she said, stressing that “the National Consultation will provide a clearer picture on that”.

She added that the consultation questionnaire can now also be completed online at the nemzetikonzultacio.kormany.hu website, and encouraged everyone to complete the consultation questionnaire.

At the same time, she warned that upon sending the questionnaires back, everyone must pay attention to whom they hand them to because, she said, “left-wing parties and other actors are attacking the consultation, and are even organising illegal campaigns against it”.

With this, she said, they made it clear that they do not support the people in stating their opinions on important issues such as the epidemic, migration, and the restarting of the economy.

Regarding short-term property rental (Airbnb), Ms. Szentkirályi said the government is giving local governments and districts the possibility to regulate this activity. As a result, they will be able to authorise, restrict or even ban short-term property rental, she pointed out.

In response to the case of former Hungarian ambassador to Peru Gábor Kaleta who was handed down a suspended prison sentence due to the possession of pornographic images involving children, the government spokesperson said what happened in this concrete case is unacceptable.

“What he did is shocking, and in my view – which I believe is shared by many – the court sentence is too lenient,” Ms. Szentkirályi stated. She highlighted that in the past few years the government and Parliament have significantly tightened the rules relating to sentences for crimes against children. She mentioned as an example that paedophiles have been banned from jobs where they can come into contact with children. She announced that a child protection task force had been formed. The government is ready to support the tightening of the rules under criminal law, she stressed.

According to her information, also to date pensioners have had the possibility to work; however, from 1 July, even more favourable rules will apply to them because those who have completed the old-age retirement age will not be required to pay either health insurance, nor pension insurance contributions. As a result, their incomes could increase by as much as 14 per cent, she indicated.

The government spokesperson said in order that school trips cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic can be organised for as many classes as possible, free travel by rail that normally applies to these trips during the school year will be available up to the end of August.

Regarding the national tourism programme ‘Where are you hiding, Floppy Ears?’ as part of which between 1 July and 31 August all children aged between 6 and 11 can travel free on trains and on certain boat services presenting their ‘Floppy Ears Passport’ and student card, the government spokesperson said “they can even visit grandma” with that.

She further highlighted that adoptive parents are also entitled to the infant care allowance (csed) which is available to women who had national insurance coverage for minimum 365 days in the two years before giving birth. From 1 July, the amount of ‘csed’ has been raised from 70 per cent to 100 per cent of the pre-tax salary.

Ms. Szentkirályi recalled that on 16 June Parliament voted for the amendment of the duty legislation, and the amendment has now entered into force. As a result, inheritance and gifts, regardless of their value, will be free also in the case of brothers and sisters, in addition to direct-line relatives. This exemption also applies to half-siblings and adopted children, she said.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)