William Penn Life, 2005 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2005-04-01 / 4. szám
Magyar Matters Farmers end three-week protest after government promises more subsidies THE TRACTORS HAVE FINALLY left Budapest. A three-week protest by disgruntled Hungarian farmers—who had parked about 1,000 tractors on a downtown square-came to an end March 14 after a compromise on increased subsidies for farmers was reached with the government. The compromise was reached after the farmers' representatives relented on some of their demands, while the government was able to stick to its original promise of "no more money" by reallocating some 20 billion forints (roughly $100 million) from the Rural Development Plan. The agreement came as a surprise, given that neither side appeared ready to budge the previous day, prompting the farmers' organizations to threaten to block roads leading into Budapest and saying that they would negotiate only with the prime minister. Farmers also staged partial roadblocks nationwide in an attempt to pressure the government to meet a long list of demands, including the immediate payment of European Union land subsidies. The daily newspaper Népszabadság suggested that the sudden collapse in the farmers' negotiating position was caused by divisions in the ranks. Several groups felt that the demonstrations "were no longer profesfrom The Budapest Sun Economic data released in March revealed Hungary's annual rate of inflation in February fell to 3.2 percent, the lowest level since 1981. The figure compares well with the 4.1 percent in January and significantly bettered the market consensus forecast of 3.6 percent. Analysts said an exceptional agricultural performance last year, along with the strong forint helping to trim the price of consumer goods, were behind the good data, which has sional in nature and had become political," the paper reported. The compromise allowed both sides to claim victory. The Farmers' Association umbrella group was able to secure more money for farmers, while the government, by reallocating funds from other sources, was able to give money within the strictures of this year's budget. Immediately after the agreement, farmers on the Felvonulás tér started arranging 25-tractor convoys in preparation for their withdrawal. Only one farmers' organization dissented from the agreement. Antal Sákán of the Pig-Farmers' Association said that his organization was not content with measures on market protection and national subsidies. Since the farmers' demonstration permit lasted until March 23, his members would remain until then, he said. Politicans welcomed the deal. Socialist chairman István Hiller praised the negotiators' skill in separating political from technical issues and remaining within the budget. Fidesz parliamentary leader János Áder asked why it had taken the government so long. "The government was playing for time. Over one night it suddenly emerged that they did have 10 billion forints to spare." raised expectations of another cut in interest rates later this month. However the forint, after trading at 241.30 to the euro early last month, unexpectedly slipped a week later, losing 1 percent to trade at 244 forints to the euro amidst a general weakening of central European currencies. While the inflation figures lent support to the currency the next day, the slippage continued several days later, when the common currency edged up to trade at 244.8 forints to the euro. In Brief Exhibit reflects life between wars NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Museum of the American Hungarian Foundation is presenting the exhibition “Calm Between the Storms: István Szonyi and Hungarian Art Between the World Wars, Works from the Salgo Trust for Education” from now through Sept. 4. The show consists of more than 80 paintings and works on paper created by Hungarian artists between World War I and World War II, a period of introspection, idealism and nationalism. The exhibit reflects the era’s mood of nostalgia and wish to return to a simpler time. For more information, call 732-846-5777. AHF sponsors 50th anniversary tour NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - The American Hungarian Foundation, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, is sponsoring a tour to Hungary June 23 to July 5. The trip includes visits to Tokaj, Debrecen, Hortobágy, Kecskemét, Kalocsa, Lake Balaton, Tihany and Budapest. The tour cost of $2,899 per person includes roundtrip airfare from New York via Malév airlines, all hotel accommodations (double occupancy), breakfast daily, six lunches and seven dinners as well as several special AHF events. For more information, call 732-846-5777. Have news about the Hungarian community you want to share? Write to: John E. Lovász, William Penn Life, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. You may also call us at 1-800-848-7366, ext. 135, or send an email to: jlovasz@williampennassociation.org Inflation rate hits 24-year low, but value of Hungarian currency takes a dip William Penn Life, April 2005 7
