BUDAPEST, Hungary ( Associated Press) – Protesters in Hungary blocked one of the capital’s main streets during rush hour on Monday morning, marking a series of protests that have been going on for nearly a week against recent changes to the country’s tax code. The latest in the series.
The crowd, composed largely of men distributing food on bicycles and scooters, blocked traffic in both directions on one of Budapest’s main bridges over the Danube River. Many of the protesters were independent businessmen who were affected by legislative changes approved by parliament last week that they believe will lead to significant tax hikes or job losses.
“Many of us came because we want change, we want unity. We want to live in a country where they don’t try to tear us apart and strengthen division,” said a restaurant worker and lawmaker said the 25-year-old defender Eszter Balazs, a student.
The wave of protests has taken on an anti-government character since it began on 12 July. Almost every night, thousands of protesters defied police and marched through central Budapest, blocking roads and major squares and demanding the law be withdrawn.
The ruling Fidesz party, led by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, used its parliamentary majority last week to approve changes that target a popular tax scheme called KETA that targets small businesses and self-employed workers, such as delivery. Allows man to pay. A flat, low tax rate.
