Kovács says that in 2010 the country rejected austerity and instead initiated “Hungarian reforms”, which he maintains involved a collaborative effort on the part of all Hungarians.

Not only is Hungary’s economic performance developing from a macroeconomic point of view, says the government spokesman, but Hungarians are able to experience this growth in their everyday lives. Kovács neglected to mention that Hungary experienced little economic growth under the second Orbán government (2010-2014) despite then-minister for national economy György Matolcsy repeatedly pronouncing its “unconventional” policies a success.

Hungary’s economy grew by 3.6 percent last year, which itself is a great result because it gives citizens a reason to be optimistic about the future of the country, Kovács says.

The government’s latest attempt to publicly pat itself on the back will cost taxpayers around HUF 600 million. Kovács refrained from divulging details about the campaign but did say that the government will utilize billboards and internet advertisements (no doubt using advertising companies owned by prominent Fidesz supporters-ed.).

The government thinks Hungarians should also be optimistic because parliament adopted the 2016 budget six months before 2016, about which Hungarians need to be reminded considering the financial crisis in Greece, says Kovács.

He denied that the government’s billboard campaign is taking place in response to the billboard campaign launched by the Two-Tailed Dog Party (Kétfarkú Kutya Párt) and Hungarian blog Thick-skin (Vastagbőr) in response to the government’s own xenophobic billboard campaign in June.

Source: The Budapest Beacon

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