Orbán delays internet tax, plans public input

Banking

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said today in his regular fortnightly radio interview that the proposed internet tax “cannot be introduced in its present form”. The prime minister said the tax needs to be discussed early next year, and a “national consultation” should take place in mid-January.

Orbán argued on his MR1 radio show that the government proposed the internet tax because telecommunications have been drifting toward the internet. He said the new tax was an extension of the telecoms tax, and that the tax system needs to follow the “natural moves of life”. He acknowledged it is normal that people have questions in connection with a new tax, though he maintained that the dispute in this current case “got derailed”.

The Prime Minister said that people do not find the internet tax sensible, and thus it needs to be further discussed, as the government “governs together with people”.

Orbán has held national consultations in the past. These have involved a questionnaire sent to citizens in the mail.

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.

Support the BBJ

Finance