A group of economists are calling the Hungarian government’s economic response to the coronavirus outbreak “insufficient,” adding in a published statement that the country’s leaders have not adequately addressed the severity of the crisis. The measures that are currently in place “do not even attempt to address emerging social issues.” The government has undefined goals and is failing to provide additional resources to people who, for example, have lost their jobs or will lose their jobs due to the pandemic, the economists wrote, noting that it is important that there is trust established between the authorities and the public if this emergency is to be managed successfully. They outline several suggestions of their own, including wage security, extending unemployment benefits and the necessity of providing financial support to local governments and NGOs. The group of economists include Péter Ákos Bod, Attila Chikán, Júlia Király and Péter Felcsuti.
