Thousands of Hungarians on the streets against tax on Internet use – Público.pt

                 

                         
                     

                         
                     

                 

 
                         

Thousands of Hungarians were ending this weekend on the streets of Budapest to demonstrate against Government proposal to impose a tax on transfers of data made online. According to the protesters, taxing Internet use is a violation of basic democratic rights and freedom.

                     

                          Last week, the Economy Minister Mihaly Varga, presented in Parliament the proposals for the state budget for next year, including the application of a 150 guilders (about 50 cents) for each gigabyte transferred, which, according to Varga allowed annual revenue of 60 million euros tax.

To confirm the application of tax, Hungary would become one of the first countries to tax the use of the Internet. Economy Minister considers that the measure imposes and reinforces the policy of taxes on telephone calls and messages, in place since 2011 in the country.

Sunday’s protests were organized through a Facebook page, which received the support of more than 210 000 people. According to news sites, at least ten thousand people gathered at the door of the Ministry of Economy, the Hungarian capital, holding their phones in protest. Near the headquarters of Fidesz other demonstrators hurled pieces of old computers against the gate of the building.

In a statement quoted by the national press, protest organizers “100 000 against the tax on the Internet,” said the measures announced by the Executive of Viktor Orban is “undemocratic” and further away from Hungary to other European countries.

“The measure will prevent equal access to the Internet, will deepen the digital divide between economic groups more Weak Hungary and limit Internet access to schools and universities already poor, “they added, quoted by Reuters.

The protesters gave a deadline of 48 hours to the government to withdraw the legislation on taxes, threatening new protests since Tuesday this case the answer is not what we want. Telecom operators, which will also be subject to tax already admitted they will have to increase their prices.

Even on Sunday, after signs of popular discontent, the ruling party Fidesz announced that this Monday would submit to Parliament an amendment to legislation to impose a maximum limit of tax payable by every Hungarian. Monthly payments will not exceed 700 guilders (€ 2.30), assured the party.

European Commissioner for Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, already railed against the measure advocated by the Hungarian Executive. On his Twitter account expressed support for the protesters and found that “unilateral taxes on Internet is not a smart idea.” Why “will increase access prices for consumers.”