Hungarian Government Faces Backlash Over 'Show' Policies and Shifting Promises

Hungary's new Tisza government is drawing criticism from advertisers and the public, with accusations that it is focusing on superficial "show" measures rather than substantive governance. Since taking office just weeks ago, the administration led by Prime Minister Magyar Péter has been scrutinized for its actions, which some perceive as prioritizing optics over policy.

A significant focus of the government's agenda appears to be distancing itself from former leaders Viktor Orbán and Tamás Sulyok. A proposed constitutional amendment, dubbed "lex Orbán," aims to permanently prevent Orbán from returning to the prime minister's office. Simultaneously, Péter is reportedly pressuring President Sulyok to resign, even visiting the Sándor Palace for "negotiations."

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We only get apparent measures and 'live performances' fitting for a show instead of real governance.

Another contentious move is the Tisza party's pledge to abolish the "heartbeat decree," a regulation requiring a "life sound" (heartbeat) to be detected before an abortion can be performed. While the government claims this will help children, critics argue it contradicts campaign promises to support, not restrict, children's rights. Statistics presented by Health Minister Zsolt Hegedűs suggest abortions have decreased significantly since 2010, and that the heartbeat decree has led to approximately 1,300 fewer abortions annually. However, critics argue these figures do not support the claim that the decree is "heartless" or solely responsible for the decline.

Furthermore, the government's stance on fuel prices has shifted since the election. During the campaign, Magyar Péter demanded a return to a 480 forint per liter fuel price. However, his government now appears hesitant to implement this, citing current oil prices. Critics point out that oil prices were already rising when the demand was made, and further increases were predictable due to geopolitical factors, questioning the sincerity of the initial promise.

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The decree is heartless and has only resulted in more abortions.