The news in Hungarian
Január 15-én a Taxisok Érdekvédelmi Szervezete tüntetést tartott Budapesten, a Hősök terén. A tiltakozók jobb adórendszert és zöldebb közlekedést követeltek . Kérik a taxi kvótát Budapesten, az inflációhoz igazodó adórendszert és magasabb áfa-mentességi határt. Folytatni fogják a küzdelmet , amíg nem kapnak választ.
Translation
On the 15th of January, the Taxi Drivers' Advocacy Organisation held a protest in Budapest at Heroes' Square. The demonstrators demanded a better tax system and greener transport options. They are calling for a taxi quota in Budapest, a tax system aligned with inflation, and a higher VAT exemption threshold. They will continue their struggle until they receive a response.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: When did the taxi drivers' protest take place?
The protest took place on January 15.
Question 2: What are two things the taxi drivers are demanding?
They are demanding a better tax system and greener transportation.
Exercise: Vocabulary
Read the full story
▌15/01/2025
On 15 January, the Taxi Drivers' Advocacy Organisation staged a demonstration in Budapest, voicing concerns over financial and occupational issues impacting their sector. The location for the protest was the iconic Heroes' Square, from where a convoy proceeded to key government offices including the Ministries of Interior, National Economy, and Finance, as well as the City Hall.
According to the organisers, the demonstration aims to highlight key issues such as the need for "livable taxation" and "a greener and safer transportation network in Budapest." They demand the introduction of a taxi quota in Budapest, pointing out that similar measures have already been implemented in other major Hungarian cities. They also call for negotiation concerning "an inflation-responsive tax system," to ensure that it supports the Hungarian small business sector.
In statements released by the advocacy group, they expressed discontent with the lack of productive dialogue from the Ministry of National Economy. They argue that substantive discussions are necessary to secure fair living standards and access to financial support for small entrepreneurs.
Budapest Taxi Protest Demands Tax Reform and Regulation (Illustration)
Key demands from the protestors include raising the VAT exemption threshold to 18 million forints, a limit approved by the European Union previously, as well as rejecting the current inflation-tracking tax system. They have also sought an active role in discussions regarding urban transportation regulations, likening their involvement to that of other essential services like police and emergency responders.
While the demonstration saw participation from numerous taxi drivers, it is noteworthy that the National Taxi Association chose not to participate. Their stance favours resolving issues at the negotiation table rather than public demonstrations, as shared by their spokesperson, Metál Zoltán. Despite this, they express support for certain propositions from the demonstrators, especially those concerning VAT adjustments.
The protest concluded with organisers pledging to continue their advocacy efforts unless their calls for dialogue and reforms are answered. By keeping these issues in the public eye, the Taxi Drivers' Advocacy Organisation hopes to stimulate action from relevant authorities, ensuring that future regulations are fair and beneficial for both the profession and its clientele.
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