The Government will initiate an amendment to the Penal Code in order for illegal migration to qualify as a criminal offence, rather than as a misdemeanour, János Lázár, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said at the press conference “Governmentinfo 17 – What does the Government do and why?” which he held jointly with State Secretary for Government Communications András Giró-Szász.
Illegal border-crossing may qualify as a criminal offence
The Government will initiate an amendment to the Penal Code in order for illegal migration to qualify as a criminal offence, rather than as a mere misdemeanour. The Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said at his press conference held on Thursday that they will request Parliament to change the legislation in the autumn.
Mr Lázár stressed: the borders will continue to remain open at the legal border-crossing points.
The Minister informed the press that the temporary border fence, which will be four metres tall, will be completed on the southern border by November.
The Minister further pointed out: the Government will resort to all available means to prevent illegal migrants from „occupying” Hungary. The Government regards Serbia, Greece and Macedonia as safe countries, and will therefore deport to these countries migrants who are turned back to Hungary from Germany or Austria, Mr Lázár said.
The Government will also review the issue of the emergence of terrorism in the Balkans at its meeting next Tuesday, Mr Lázár said.
The Government is observing events in Transcarpathia with concern
The Hungarian Government is paying close attention to events in Transcarpathia, and is observing them with concern, János Lázár, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said at his press conference held in Budapest on Thursday, with reference to the armed clash in Munkács at the end of last week which claimed three lives.
The Hungarian Cabinet sincerely hopes that the Ukrainian central government will be able to control the situation and to guarantee the safety of every Hungarian in Transcarpathia, the Minister stressed.
He added that the Hungarian Government is continuously updated on the situation, and is ready to consult with Ukraine as necessary.
The Government is ready to take on both procedures of the European Commission
The Government is ready to take on the investigations instituted by the Commission regarding the monitoring fees payable by supermarket chains and the health care contribution imposed on tobacco trading, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Mr Lázár told the press that in the former case, Spar, while in the latter, Philip Morris filed complaints against the Hungarian Government in Brussels, and the Government is ready to defend its position. He took the view: the Commission openly represents the interests of the two companies, and officials openly lobby for their interests.
In response to the critical comment made by Elzbieta Bienkowska, European Commissioner for Internal Market concerning the Government’s patriotic economic policy, the Minister pointed out: the Government is determined to take back the privileges which have to date been enjoyed by foreigners and to distribute them among Hungarian society in a more just and fair manner.
Use of online cash machines will not be extended to services sector
The Government will not extend the use of online cash machines to the services sector. The Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said in answer to a question concerning the plans to extend the use of online cash machines to actors of the services sector as well, such as hairdressers and massage parlours.
"There was a proposal to that effect, but the Prime Minister discarded it”, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said in his reply. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán takes the view that this is not justified, and neither is it realistic.
In reference to an earlier question, Mr Lázár also told the press that the Ministry of National Economy will consult with the Government as to how gaming casinos can be linked to the online monitoring system.
György Wáberer’s report on haulage to be presented to the Government
The Government will discuss the report of György Wáberer, a commissioner appointed by the Prime Minister, regarding the state of haulage in Hungary, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office informed the press.
Mr Lázár said: the report compiled by György Wáberer, the President of the Federation of Hungarian Hauliers, and business magnate, must specifically address the situation of Hungarian hauliers and their competitiveness in Europe. In this context, the Minister remarked that the Hungarian haulage market is six thousand drivers short.
The Minister mentioned the reduction of administrative burdens relating to utility vehicles among the plans contemplated by the Government. The Cabinet will also look into ways in which traffic violation fines imposed on foreigners traversing Hungary could be collected, he added.
At its meeting to be held on Tuesday, the Government will additionally review the state of employment. In this context, Mr Lázár drew attention to the fact that the Government has already delivered one half of the one million new jobs which it undertook to create in 2010.
(Prime Minister's Office)
