Hungarian Opinion: Hungary Halfway Into The Virus Crisis

  • 23 Apr 2020 7:47 AM
  • BudaPost
Hungarian Opinion: Hungary Halfway Into The Virus Crisis
The number one liberal weekly website quotes figures suggesting that the Hungarian economy only began to grapple with the virus emergency in March.

HVG.hu publishes a series of statistics on how European countries fared in March as the coronavirus pandemic began. The figures show that Hungary was only moderately hit in the first month of the virus emergency.

Car sales dropped by 85 per cent in Italy, for instance (on a year on year basis), but the European average was also over 50%. Hungary’s car sales only dropped by 10 per cent.

The April figures will be much more negative, the authors add. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus victims is now over 200, while more than 2000 people have tested positive for the virus. The Prime Minister expects the epidemic to peak during the first week of May.

HVG also observes changes in peoples’ habits that might become long-term patterns of behaviour.

Delivery companies are flourishing, as people follow the advice of the authorities to stay at home, and they may get accustomed to ordering products through the internet rather than strolling through the shops.

Another such novelty is that cash has all but disappeared from commercial exchanges, HVG reports.


This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. 

Click here to Share Your Story 

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

BudaPost

Launched in May 2011 to provide a balanced picture of matters covered in Hungary’s national press. Their aim is to make it easier for English-speakers to understand where this country is now and where it’s heading according to the full spectrum of media opinions.

Explore More Reports

  • Election 2024: Promises from Candidates for Budapest Mayor

    Election 2024: Promises from Candidates for Budapest Mayor

    • 3 Jun 2024 1:30 PM

    Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, the mayoral candidate of opposition Párbeszéd-Greens-DK-MSZP, said late on Friday that his main goal was to improve living standards for Budapest residents, while Dávid Vitézy, the mayoral candidate of opposition LMP said Budapest needed developments rather than being used as a battleground for party politics.

  • Hungary-Serbia Relations 'At Historic Best'

    Hungary-Serbia Relations 'At Historic Best'

    • 7 Mar 2024 6:15 AM

    Hungary-Serbia relations are at their historic best, as ethnic Hungarian communities beyond the borders represent a resource in cooperation with neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said.