Péter Szijjártó emphasized that this visit marks the end of a long hiatus in the relationship, as there had been no diplomatic ties between the two countries for a decade. He pointed out that the decision to normalize relations was made last year, aiming to establish cooperation that benefits both nations.

After meeting Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Szijjártó stated that they have been working together for a long time, as he previously served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for his country, Ethiopia, thus their relationship dates back to that time. ‘I have always valued his work; he was able to keep the WHO as a politically neutral, professional organization, which was crucial in overcoming the coronavirus,’ Minister Szijjártó stated about the health official.

In the autumn legislative package, the government will broaden the competencies of general practitioners, for example, they will regain prescription rights for certain medications that were previously taken away.

Regarding healthcare salary increases, the minister said the government will continue its two-stage wage hike programme. In addition to the 18 per cent raise in July this year, 200 billion forints have been allocated for this purpose in the draft budget for next year. The funds for pharmaceutical subsidies, cash benefits in health insurance, and the procurement of ambulances will also be expanded.

Eurostat released its statistics on excess mortality rates in the EU for December 2022. The numbers show a staggering 19 per cent increase in the region overall. However, in Hungary, the same number is a mere 2.8 per cent.

In an exclusive presentation at MCC, Minister Tibor Navracsics addressed the question of the EU Recovery Funds, as well as the current state of the negotiations between Brussels and Budapest.

The surrendering individual rights was contingent on whether or not the legitimate political authority can effectively protect those from an aggressor — in our present-day case, the coronavirus. 

Today, the two major contexts of Hungarian foreign policy are determined by the evolution of the Hungarian economy and society after the economic restart and reconstruction, along with the surrounding international relations.

The last week of April was the beginning of the first phase of the easing of restrictions as more than 40 per cent of the country’s population had received their first dose of vaccination.
But will the euphoric feeling hold on, and if so, what would the social consequences be?

The way I see it, those Western conservatives who burn masks and agitate against vaccination place themselves on the same platform as leftist opposition parties in Hungary that criticize whatever defence measure the government introduces.

There is an increasing number of articles, statistics and statements that “put Hungary on the map”.

President János Áder and his wife, Anita Herczegh, are setting up a foundation to help children orphaned by the coronavirus, the President himself announced in a radio interview on Sunday.