Unfazed by public anger over proposed taxes on Internet useage, Hungary imposed higher taxes on a variety of consumer goods, including soap and alcohol. The Guardian is reporting that supermarkets will also be taxed in what’s being called the Tesco fee, with large stores (usually foreign owned) being targeted for extra revenue. Prime minister Viktor Orbán is trying at all costs to reduce Hungary’s budgetary deficit by raising new taxes on sectors of the economy that are dominated by foreign companies. The European Commission has warned such measures as “chips” taxes, charges on bank transfers, ATM withdrawals, and text messages will only hurt the economy. This week, notes The Guardian, the chairman of supermarket operator Spar signaled the company would be putting its planned expansion in Hungary on hold.
