Gulyas sees significant progress in employment

Major progress has been made in employment in Hungary, with 850,000 more jobholders today than in 2010, the head of the Prime Minister's Office said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday. The employment rate of 20-64 year-olds has risen to 75.2 percent, while it is 70 percent in the 15-64 age group. The highest rate was measured in Budapest, followed by western Hungary. Regional differences only indicate there are reserves to be tapped, he said. Meanwhile, commenting on top jobs within the EU, Gulyas said that Laszlo Trocsanyi's nomination for European commissioner was the best decision the cabinet could make. He noted that the former justice minister had topped the Fidesz-Christian Democrat (KDNP) list in the European parliamentary election, adding that the support of voters for that list was the second highest in the EU. Regarding the Article 7 procedure launched against Hungary last July, Gulyas said the government was ready to answer all questions "but this is a political witch hunt that lacks any foundation".