Hungary's "New Deal" is meant to rebuild the country's economy. Opposition declares

Peter Magyar, leader of the TISZA party, the main opposition force in Hungary, announced on Saturday the Hungarian "New Deal" program, which, if the opposition wins next year's elections, will revitalize the country's economy through investments and predictable policies.

"We need economic growth, investment, and predictable financial and economic policies in Hungary," Magyar said during a live online party congress in the western city of Nagykanizsa. He assured that TISZA would crack down on corruption and buy back state assets "stolen" in recent years.

The politician stressed that the pillars of his program are healthcare reform with additional funding of 500 billion forints (1.3 billion euros) per year, a plan to build apartments and houses for rent, modernization of state railways using EU and national funds, and investments in energy efficiency of households and education.

Magyar also committed to unblocking approximately €20 billion in EU funds held up by the conflict between Viktor Orban's government and Brussels.

Polls published in Hungary in recent months have shown the main opposition party ahead of next year's elections. In a June poll by Median, TISZA secured a 15-percent lead over Prime Minister Orbán's ruling Fidesz party.

During Saturday's TISZA congress, a plan to select candidates for MPs in an intra-party vote was also announced.

The acronym of the center-right Respect and Freedom Party (TISZA) refers to Hungary's second-longest river, the Tisza. Magyar, himself previously associated with the government, built his popularity on criticism of the system created by Prime Minister Orbán's long rule. In April 2024, he organized the largest anti-government demonstration in a decade in Budapest.

From Budapest Jakub Bawołek (PAP)

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