Latest news with #Gulyás
Budapest Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Minister Gulyás: We are not heading toward peace, but wading deeper into war
The minister criticized Brussels for continuing to support war rather than peace. Emphasizing Hungary's ongoing commitment to a ceasefire and negotiations, the minister warned that 'war tensions are increasing, and foreign intelligence activity is intensifying' in an effort to pressure the government to give up its pro-peace stance. Minister Gulyás also congratulated President Karol Nawrocki on his election victory, expressing hope he could bolster peace-oriented positions and American efforts to broker a peace deal. Turning to domestic matters, the minister addressed the financial instability of the Budapest municipality. He blamed the Karácsony–Tisza coalition for driving the city into bankruptcy and emphasized that 'while the responsibility lies with the left-wing city leadership, every resident of Budapest must bear the burden.' The government has tasked Minister Gulyás and State Secretary Csaba Latorcai with initiating talks and overseeing a full financial audit of the capital. They stressed that any government assistance depends on restoring a lawful, transparent budget. Regarding the recent natural disaster in Parajd, Transylvania, in which the local salt mine was flooded, he said this was caused in part by human negligence. The Hungarian government has allocated HUF 10 million in emergency aid and dispatched water management experts to assist in recovery efforts. Finally, Gulyás reaffirmed that the government will enforce the child protection law during upcoming Pride events, suggesting they be held in venues that comply with legal standards, such as Kincsem Park.
Budapest Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Gulyás: Hungary has always represented peace
Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister's Office, said Hungary is currently the representative of normality in Europe. Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister's Office, said Hungary has always represented peace, and 'we stood in support of peace during the Russia-Ukraine war even when European liberals and members of the US Democratic Party clearly stood in support of war'. Gulyás told CPAC Hungary that Hungary was currently the representative of normality in Europe. 'Actually, we are the centre, but in the Western world, they have been trying to push the centre, common sense, to the sidelines for several decades. It also required a betrayal by the Western European right, too,' he said. 'Change is needed, and there is currently a chance for it,' he said. 'The joining of forces that has developed thanks to CPAC since the foundation of the Patriots party alliance between conservative right-wing European parties and the US gives us a chance to return traditional European values to the focus of politics, also in Western government policies.'
Budapest Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Budapest Times
Gulyás: We'll stand up against unreasonable price increases
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had earlier emphasized that the meeting focused on three key issues: margin regulation, the Demján Plan for small businesses, and the fight against cyber fraud. The government has decided to extend the price margin regulation until the end of August. This policy aims to curb unjustified price hikes, especially on essential goods. 'We are taking action against unwarranted price increases,' stated Minister Gulyás, underscoring the administration's resolve to protect consumer interests during inflationary periods. The cabinet also unveiled new support avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including the Demján Plan, which promotes entrepreneurial growth through targeted incentives. Government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos reported strong interest in the 1+1 SME investment promotion program, which has attracted over 1,800 applications, including 937 from small businesses. Additionally, the 'Every Business Should Have a Website' initiative received more than 10,900 applications, with support already disbursed to 653 companies. In response to the surge in cyber fraud, particularly involving banking scams, the government has prioritized cybersecurity. Minister Gulyás cautioned the public about suspicious calls from unknown numbers impersonating bank representatives. He confirmed ongoing governmental cooperation with financial institutions to intercept illicit transactions. Authorities attribute more than 80 percent of recent cybercrimes to Ukrainian criminal networks, which have caused over HUF 8 billion in damages, with only HUF 1.5 billion recovered so far. The cabinet also approved the issuance of food vouchers for pensioners, following recommendations from elderly advocacy groups. Worth HUF 30,000 and distributed in multiple denominations, these paper-based vouchers will be usable in local shops, markets, and major retail chains nationwide. Legislative and regulatory details are expected within weeks. Further addressing public infrastructure, Minister Gulyás challenged the Budapest leadership to explain the disappearance of over HUF 200 billion in budget surplus since former mayor István Tarlós left office. He questioned how financial plans like the proposed Rákosrendező real estate acquisition were possible months ago, while the capital's transit company now faces operational threats. Finally, the government has launched an emergency drought relief program, allocating HUF 4.7 billion to refill reservoirs and canals. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of summer droughts on agriculture by enhancing water management infrastructure and boosting preparedness. From economic intervention to digital security and disaster mitigation, the Hungarian government continues to prioritize resilience and public welfare through active governance.
Budapest Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Gulyás: Peace will be beneficial if Europe finds common ground with the US
During a meeting of the Hungarian Atlantic Council (MAT) late on Thursday, Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister's Office, said peace will be beneficial, especially if Europe, similarly to Hungary, finds common ground with the United States. Receiving the body's Antall József Prize for supporting the Transatlantic concept and aiding the council's work, Gulyás told the body's general assembly that the change of government in the US had been a 'relief' for Hungary as the previous Democrat administration had been 'expressly unfriendly'. Gulyás said 'the US does not want to protect Europe' and expects the bloc to develop its defense capabilities, which have been neglected for decades'. Meanwhile, referring to József Antall, Hungary's first prime minister after the fall of communism, Gulyás said he worked at a time when 'respect was the ruling tone of public life … that has ceased, it is no more'. 'That is a serious hit to democracy,' he said. Lauding Gulyás, Zsolt Németh, the head of parliament's foreign policy committee and the MAT vice-president, said the minister had a 'nationalist, Christian, conservative and protestant set of values' and was 'an operative problem-solver' who played a role in 'protecting the victims of the events of 2006, creating the Fundamental Law, or fostering Hungary's crucial relations with German-speaking states.'
Budapest Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Budapest Times
Gulyás: Ukraine becoming a member of the EU could cost more than the war itself
Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister's Office, said that if Europe allows Ukraine to become an EU member once the war is over, 'it could cost more than the war itself'. Gulyás told a conference in Budapest on Thursday that in peacetime, Ukraine's accession could 'pose the greatest danger' to the bloc. He said it was a welcome development that 'now Europe is talking more and more about the need for peace', adding that 'peace offers the best opportunities for Hungary's economic growth'. Gulyás said the worst-case scenario would be 'the wrong peace or no peace', but added that 'if Ukraine's accession continues to be Brussels' goal, it would put an even greater burden on the community than the war itself'. Meanwhile, Gulyás said Hungary's employment figures were 'among the highest in Europe' despite war-related difficulties, adding that 'one million people more are working in Hungary than in 2010'. 'The government's goals are clear: the family support system needs to be expanded, while small and medium-sized companies need to be helped,' Gulyás said. Integrating the Roma minority into the workforce through education and labour programmes is a key government task, he added.
