The Central Statistical Office reported 4.1 per cent year on year growth in 2017 Q1. Minister of National Economy Mihály Varga said that overall 4 percent growth this year is possible.

The growth figures indicate that the Hungarian government is on the right path, Gergely Kiss comments in Magyar Idők.

The pro-government columnist writes that Hungary’s growth in the first quarter of the year is double the EU average and is in line with government estimates that were initially considered far too optimistic by critics. Kiss claims that Hungarians can also feel that the economy is improving: taxes are lower, real wages are higher and a new housing subsidy is offered to families.

In 168 Óra, György Varga contends that Hungary’s long-term growth prospects are jeopardized by the decline in competitiveness. Without mentioning the current growth numbers, the left-wing journalist claims that Hungary’s overall competitiveness has declined since 2010.

Varga’s competitiveness indicators are largely political, including what he terms the weakening of democratic institutions, the absence of transparency, poor education and corruption. Varga therefore urges what he calls systemic reforms to boost competitiveness.

Source: BudaPost

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