on the record NATIONWIDE TEACHERS' STRIKE IN HUNGARY From 8 am on March 16, the Teachers' Union and the Democratic Union of Teachers called a nationwide indefinite strike in Hungary. They demanded a pay raise for teachers, a reduction in their compulsory teaching hours and an increase in the salaries of non-teaching staff working in schools. Teachers participated in the strike not only in the capital, but also in many schools in rural towns. In some cases, parents were there in person to support the teachers. Teachers in several institutions decided to resort to civil disobedience as the government's February decree stipulates so many sufficient services that they say the strike would hardly be felt. Thousands of secondary school students showed solidarity with the teachers. They rallied in three places in Budapest, and
MARCH 15: NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN THE SPIRIT OF THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN
photo by
SZILÁRD KOSZTICSÁK/MTI, DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, GÁBOR CZERKL
On Hungary’s national holiday marking the outbreak of the 1848 revolution, PM Viktor Orbán referred to the “youth of March,” who said at that time that “let here be peace, liberty and concord.” Speaking in front of Hungarian Parliament, the prime minister added that “we need the same thing today: strength. [Because] the world only respects those who have the courage and strength to stand up for themselves.” Referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections, the PM said that in the shadow of war, what is at stake are peace in Hungary and the country’s security. Do we want “a party on the Right in favor of peace or a party on the Left in favor of war?” the PM asked, referring by ‘the Left’ to the joint opposition of a wide political spectrum. Answering his own question, he said that “we need a government that is not caught by surprise and that is not venturing out into open water for the first time.” Speaking at a rally at the Technological University of Budapest, the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition parties running with joint candidates in the parliamentary elections, Péter Márki-Zay expressed his belief in Hungary's return to the "good side of history." As he pointed out, "we believe that power belongs to the people, that David will defeat Goliath. We believe that on April 3, Hungary will return to the right side of history, that Hungary will finally be victorious, that we will once again be a people, that we will once again be a nation, that we will once again be proud to say that ‘I am Hungarian’, wherever we go in the world." He asked for support to replace "the most corrupt government in Hungary's history." The guest speaker of the opposition rally, Donald Tusk, former President of the European Council, said that today the fight is not only for the freedom of the Ukrainian state and nation, but also "for our future," and that in this fight, a decent and honest man should have no doubt which side he is on.
at noon, held a loud and peaceful demonstration in front of the Parliament on Kossuth Square. In the afternoon, hundreds of would-be teacher students took part in a demonstration outside the Ministry of Human Resources, which, in the absence of an independent portfolio, is responsible for education. Speakers stressed that they want to teach and that the government must give them a perspective.
The government announced that as of March 7, the remaining restrictions would be lifted as the fifth wave of the epidemic receded: masks would no longer have to be worn in the previously required confined spaces: on public transport, in shops, shopping centers, post offices, customer services, theaters, cinemas, museums and sporting events as well as in educational and healthcare institutions and employees of catering establishments would no longer be required to wear masks at work. The government claimed that the fifth wave of the epidemic was receding thanks to the successful control and the vaccination of the population. In addition, any restrictions that made the use of a service in the country subject to the requirement of an immunity card were also lifted: there was no longer any need for this pass for sporting events, cultural events, music and dance events, or outdoor events with more than 500 people. Restrictions on entry into Hungary were lifted as well. w w w . d t e u r o p e . c o m
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AID FUND ESTABLISHED TO HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES The Hungarian Food Bank Association has set up an aid fund to support the civilian population affected by the war in Ukraine. The donations collected are forwarded to the Kiev Charitable Foundation operating the Ukrainian Food Bank. Since the outbreak of the war, the volunteers of the Ukrainian sister organization have delivered more than 450,000 kilograms of food to shelters, hospitals, institutions caring for the elderly and disabled, sometimes at the risk of their lives. However, the Ukrainian Food Bank is running out of stocks and supplies. Since the start of the Russian invasion, the Hungarian Food Bank Association has been coordinating donations and relief shipments from dozens of food producers and distributors in Hungary. Food that can be consumed quickly and easily transported is sent directly to the relief organizations supplying the refugees, as it is mainly these products that are needed by the arrivals and those travelling onwards. A network of homes and institutions hosting at least thirty people is being built up to help thousands of refugees.
SPANISH ROYAL DECORATION TO PÉTER TÓTH
HUNGARY'S POPULATION CONTINUES TO DECREASE PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN HUNGARY
UPCOMING NATIONAL DAYS 17 April 18 27 30 3 May 17 25 26
According to data published by Hungary’s Central Statistical Office at the end of March, 6,068 children were born and 12,256 people died in February this year. Preliminary data suggest that in the last twelve months, between March 2021 and February 2022, the number of births diminished by 0.5%, while that of deaths increased by 7.6% and the number of marriages by 6.5% compared to the period 12 months earlier. In February 2022, a total of 6,068 children were born, 15% less or 1,093 fewer than a year earlier. The number of people who lost their lives (12,256) was 3.3% or 391 more than in February 2021. The natural decrease was 6,188 as opposed to 4,704 in February 2021. 3,520 couples got married, which was 14% less or 572 fewer than in February 2021. As for the last twelve months (between March 2021 and February 2022), 91,192 children were born, 484 fewer or 0.5% less than in the previous 12 months. The total fertility rate was estimated at 1.56 per female, compared with 1.55 in the previous 12 months. There were 154,657 deaths, 7.6% or 10,919 more than in the period 12 months earlier. The natural decrease was 63,465, 22% higher compared to 52,062 in the previous 12 months.70,886 couples got married, which was 6.5% or 4,308 more than a year earlier.
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The Ambassador of Spain in Budapest, Anunciada Fernández de Córdova has presented the Cross of Officer of the Order of Isabella the Catholic that King Felipe VI of Spain has granted to Péter Tóth, Director of the Spanish-Hungarian company ‘Olmos and Tóth’. The Ambassador presented the decoration in a solemn ceremony at the Residence of the Spanish Embassy in Budapest at the end of March. In her laudation, the Ambassador stated that Spain wishes to recognize in this way the efforts of Mr. Tóth, who made a decisive contribution to saving the ‘mangalica’ breed of pig from extinction, being today one of the most sought after and recognized pigs bred in Hungary. The company Jamones Segovia, whose owners and directors accompanied Péter Tóth at the ceremony, is in charge of converting the meat of this excellent breed into stupendous hams that are becoming more and more recognized every day, both in Spain and in the rest of the world.
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