Instead of promises, tangible actions are needed against poverty

The European Parliament’s plenary session debated on Monday night a left-wing report entitled ‘Reducing inequalities, in particular in-work poverty’. In her speech, MEP Ádám Kósa, member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), emphasized that Hungary had chosen job creation over aid. “If there is work, there is everything, and most of all, a chance to significantly reduce poverty”, the Fidesz politician pointed out.

MEP Kósa emphasized: In Hungary, the government is fighting poverty with tangible means, such as tax cuts, support for families and children, or responsible fiscal policy. “We can also see the success of the Hungarian measures from the OECD data. In Hungary, the gap between the poorest and the richest continuously decreased between 2010 and 2018, and this number is currently lower than the average of the OECD countries”, the Fidesz MEP emphasized.

Eradicating in-work poverty must be a priority, as in a work-based society, wages must be sufficient for a decent living. “That’s why it’s important that only those get the money who have worked for it. We have to keep this in mind during the pandemic, and then also in the period after that”, MEP Kósa pointed out.

It is unfortunate, however, that the report contains a number of mindless left-wing promises that could only be covered by tax increases. “If I wanted to be ironic, I would say that the European left has taken over the slogan of the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party:” Eternal life and free beer! “. Well, even if the former is not, the latter is almost promised in this document”, said the Fidesz MEP.

In addition to the minimum wage and the minimum pension, the report also aims to introduce a minimum income. It would also give NGOs direct access to EU funds. Furthermore, citing social dumping, it would restrict the employment of Eastern European workers (eg. road hauliers) in Western Member States, thereby classifying Eastern Europeans as second-class citizens. But in the meantime, it would grant more rights and benefits to undocumented illegal migrants. As we know, the Hungarian left is also openly in favor of a tax increase: they would like to introduce property tax and they are also planning to increase the personal income and corporate tax.

“The Fidesz-KDNP delegation to the European Parliament, together with the EPP Group are trying to remove these radical left-wing demands from the text through amendments”, pointed out MEP Ádám Kósa.